Choir studio Ellerhein

The Tallinn Childrens' Choir, the predecessor of choral studio Ellerhein of Art center Kullo, was founded in 1951 by professor Heino Kaljuste (1925–1989), who was a long-time conductor and artistic director of the choir. In 1969, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Estonian Song Celebration, the choir was renamed to Ellerhein. Ellerhein has been led by Tiia-Ester Loitme for a long time (1989-2012), since 2012, the principal conductor of the choir is Ingrid Kõrvits.
By today, Ellerhein has become a well-known choral studio comprising three coirs: young chindrens’ choir (age 7-10), childrens’ choir (age 11-13) and girls choir (age 14-17). Besides vocal development, the singers of the choir also receive lessons on solfeggio and harmony.

In 1970, the alumni choir of Ellerhein was founded, which today is known as internationally recognized Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir. Since 2003, Ellerhein is the member of European Federation of Young Choirs Europa Cantat. In the same year, Ellerhein received the Annual Prize of the Estonian Cultural Endowment.

Girls' Choir Ellerhein

The repertoire of Ellerhein Girls’ Choir comprises classical and contemporary choral music by composers from around the world. The choir has been an introducer of music by Estonian composers, especially Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, Gustav Ernesaks, Cyrillus Kreek at both Estonian and the world's concert stages. Consisting of quickly learning singers, Ellerhein has often participated in performances of large-scale works such as oratorios, symphonies, cantatas ect. Ellerhein has won numerous international choral competitions. The most active cooperation has been with Japan, where the choir has published five CD-s with Estonian music. In 2004, the Grammy Award was awarded to the choir for their CD Sibelius Cantatas (2004, Virgin Classics), which was recorded with the Estonian National Male Choir and the National Symphony Orchestra.
In 2009, CD "Estonian Choral Music" was released by Ellerhein with works by Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Cyrillus Kreek and Gustav Ernesaks. Recent awards have been Grand Prix in XI International Choir Festival Tallinn 2009, where the choir also won a Special Prize for the best perfomance of mandatory choral work – Arvo Pärt's Peace upon you, Jerusalem. In 2010, for the 80th birthday of Veljo Tormis, a CD „Nüüd ep on ilus elada“ was released with his choral works. In spring 2012, the choir participated at national choir competition Ave Verum in Austria, receiving the Second Prize in Gold Level. In 2012, a major concert was held in Estonia concert hall for the 60th birthday of the choir. Since 2012, the principal director of Ellerhein is Ingrid Kõrvits, choir master and solfeggio teacher is Ülle Sander.

Ellerhein Children's Choir

Ellerhein Children’s Choir comprises singers of the age of 11–13. Every year’s traditions include Christmas concerts and a spring concert of the choral studio Ellerhein in Estonia concert hall, as well as charity concerts. Conductors of the choir are Anneli Mäeots and Ilona Ernes, concertmaster is Reinut Tepp. The Ellerhein Children’s Choir is also a performer of songs in one of the most well-known Estonian movie „Nukitsamees“ (music written by Olav Ehala, lyrics Juhan Viiding).

Ellerhein Toddlers' Choir

Young Children`s choir was established in 1902, the choir comprises singers at the age of 7-10. As an important tradition, the choir gives Christmas concerts in different Estonian churches and participates at choral studio Ellerhein’s spring concerts in Estonia concert hall. The choir has also participated at Estonian Song Celebrations, at annual concert of Estonian Choral Association, they have sang at concert-festival of national young children choirs in Tamsalu, at all three toddlers’ choirs’ festivals MuFe, and also have performed at partiotic choir works’ contest.
Ellerhein Toddlers’ Choir has a long time cooperation with Estonian composer Olav Ehala. The choir has participated also at performances with other well-known Estonian musicians such as Hanna-Liina Võsa, Mihkel Mattiisen, Reigo Ahven ect. The choir has released a CD „Ilus aeg“ of Estonian folk songs and have participated at recordings of fund-raising CD-s „Kuula südamega“. Since 2003, the is conductor of the choir is Mallika Veeperv, choir master Marika Koit and solfeggio teacher Aale Rosenstrauch.

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