Tonis Kaumann

Tonis Kaumann Is a composer from Tallinn, Estonia. Working commission-based since the beginning of the 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 valuable input to his composing work.

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 the 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 been received very well by the players and audience.

Symphonic music

Elite linn / City of angels premiered by the 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 orchestras.

Vocal music

ranging from vocal ensembles to an Estonian Song Festival choir.

The most notable and performed piece is Ave Maria which is in the repertoire of Vox Clamantis and Hortus Musicus.