tÕnis Kaumann
Is a composer from Tallinn, Estonia. Working commission-based since the beginning of 1990-s, his portfolio has grown substantially over the years and contains 2 full scale operas, 3 chamber operas, symphonic works, chamber and choral music as well as works for young performers.
Tõnis is based in Estonia and in addition to composing, gives around 100 concerts yearly as a vocalist with music groups such as grammy-winning Vox Clamantis and the legendary Hortus Musicus. His own experience on stage has given a valuable input to his composing work.
The main characteristics of compositional style are
- "music about music": joyful recycling of historic styles and genres
- multitude of style patterns – from pop and jazz to Viennese classics and Gregorian chant, improvisation as a principle of development, bountiful humour
Education in composition
Tallinn Music High School, grad. 1989, René Eespere
Estonian Music Academy, bachelor, grad. 1994, Raimo Kangro
Estonian Music Academy, masters, grad. 2000, Jaan Rääts
Competitions
Won European Young Composer competition 1994, held by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.
Winner of 2005 competition by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
First recitals
1997 cond. Tõnu Kaljuste
2007 cond. Jaan-Eik Tulve and Risto Joost
Notable works
Operas
“Mina, Napoleon” (I, Napoleon)- full scale opera production for youth in two acts. Premiere 2005 in Estonian National Opera, was in repertoire for 2 seasons.
Lopi ja Lapi- very mobile comic Singspiel-opera with 6 players and 4 singers.
Kaubamaja- tragicomic chamber opera in two acts 2006/2022. Premiere in August 2022, currently in the repertoire of Vanemuine Theatre (Tartu, Estonia).
Naksitrallid (Three jolly fellows): full scale opera production in 2 acts for youth and youthful. Premiere in May 2022, currently in the repertoire of Estonian National Opera.
Youth
Tõnis has also written music for young musicians, also for young musician competitions. These works have bean received very well among the players and audience.
Symphonic music
Inglite linn / City of angels premiered by Estonian National Symphony orchestra in 2022.
Stabat Mater for tenor and Symphonic Orchestra.
Three tails for symphonic orchestra
Chamber music
A large number of works from solos and duets to big chamber ensembles, also chamber orchestra.
Vocal music
ranging from vocal ensembles to a Estonian Song Festival choir.
Most notable and performed piece is Ave Maria that is in repertoire of Vox Clamantis and Hortus Musicus.
