Choir
Eesti Rahvusmeeskoor
- From
- Estonia, Estonia
- Since
- 1944–present
- Rating
- ★ 5
- Releases
- 30
About
Estonian National Male Choir (Estonian: Eesti Rahvusmeeskoor) is an Estonian male choir. As of about 2020, it is the largest full-time professional male choir in the world.
Read more
The choir was founded in 1944 by Gustav Ernesaks. At the beginning, the choir was named as Estonian SSR State Philharmonic Male Choir. In 1953, the choir was named to State Academic Male Choir, and since 1989 the choir carries the name Estonian National Male Choir.
Chief conductors:
1944–1975 Gustav Ernesaks
1964–1991 Olev Oja
1966–1990 Kuno Areng
1991–1997 Ants Üleoja
1994–2005, 2008–2011 Ants Soots
2005–2008 Kaspars Putninš
since 2011/2012 Mikk Üleoja
During its existence of over 60 years, the choir has given over 6000 concerts in Estonia and abroad.
Awards:
2004 Grammy Award in the category "Best Choral Performance"
2005 Orchestral Album of the Year, voted in BBC Music Magazine
Members
-
Ka Bo Chan countertenor vocals
-
Andres Alamaa bass vocals
-
Viktor Gurjev tenor vocals
-
Verner Gerretz bass vocals
-
Raimund Alango bass vocals
-
August Adamka tenor vocals
-
August Blaubrik tenor vocals
-
Ahto Haabjärv tenor vocals
-
Evald Aas tenor vocals
-
Georg Aan tenor vocals
-
Henn Eerik baritone vocals
-
Olaf Ader tenor vocals
-
Ilmar Arike baritone vocals
-
Märt-Valter Bernadt baritone vocals
-
Hanno Erendi tenor vocals
-
Tiit Aruvee tenor vocals
-
Arvo Aun tenor vocals
Discography
Albums
-
ENSV Riiklik Akadeemiline Meeskoor
-
Kullervo / The Origin of Fire / Our Native Land
-
„Kalevala” XVII runo
-
Sondeckis conducts Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 13 "Babi Yar"
-
People of Kalevala
-
Kullervo
-
Küll ma laulaks
-
Supreme Silence
-
Vision of Estonia I
-
Symphonies no. 13 "Babi Yar", nos. 14 & 15
-
Cantatas
-
Vision of Estonia III
-
Vision of Estonia II
-
Requiem
-
Visions Beyond Estonia
-
Vision of Kalevala
-
Mu isamaa on minu arm
-
Silva Caledonia
-
Ilus elu
-
Tulelaul
-
Oma saar
-
Timeless Light: Estonian Cello Works
-
Kullervo
-
Music for Male-Voice Choir
-
Shostakovich: Symphony no. 13 ‘Babiy Yar’ / Arvo Pärt: De profundis
-
Singing into Space
Live
Compilations
Links
Conductor position
Founder
Also known as
Eesti NSV Riiklik Akadeemiline Meeskoor · Eesti NSV Riikliku Filharmoonia meeskoor · Estonian Male Chorus · Estonian National Male Choir · Estonian SSR State Academic Choir · National Male Choir of Estonia · Nationaler Männerchor Estland · RAM · Riiklik Akadeemiline Meeskoor
Tags
- choir
- male choir
- estonian choir
Identifiers
- MusicBrainz
- bddf8bbe-1b89-428d-96b1-bf6655d36a69
- ISNI
- 0000000106572622
Data from MusicBrainz, saved 7 Nov 2026. Photo from Wikimedia Commons, covers from the Cover Art Archive and Apple Music.