Estonian choir K.O.O.R. and Vilnius choir SONOROS
Enjoy a uniquely complementary blend of Estonian and Lithuanian choral music! Lithuania will host a visit from the mixed choir “K.O.O.R.”—led by the legendary conductor Raul Talmar, known for his role in Estonia’s choir and Song Festival traditions—for a single concert in the capital. Together with the local mixed choir “Sonoros,” the Estonian guests invite you on a heartfelt journey through the choral traditions of both countries.
CHOIR “K.O.O.R.”
The Estonian choir “K.O.O.R.” was formed in 2012. Its singers are long-time collaborators of Raul Talmar, having shared an impressive musical journey across various choral ensembles.
The choir has earned a notable collection of awards:
– 2nd place at the 13th International Choir Festival “Tallinn 2013”
– 1st place diploma at the 20th International Orthodox Sacred Music Festival “CREDO”
– 3rd place in the folklore category at the “Llangollen” competition in Wales
– 1st place in folklore, gospel, and pop music categories at the international choir competition “Crakovia Cantans”
In 2016, they received the prestigious Heinrich Schütz Award at the Cork International Choral Festival, and in 2019, they won the Grand Prix at the 19th International Choir Festival “Chernomorski Zvutsi” in Bulgaria.
CONDUCTOR RAUL TALMAR
Raul Talmar graduated in choral conducting from the Tallinn Conservatory. Since 1977, he sang in the mixed choir “Noorus” and served as its chief conductor from 1991 to 2012. He currently leads the mixed choir “K.O.O.R.” and the concert choir of St. Charles Church in Tallinn. Previously, he also conducted the Tallinn University of Technology Male Choir, the Helsinki School of Economics Male Choir, the Pärnu Mattone Chamber Choir, the National Girls’ Choir “Leelo,” and others.
A long-time president of the Estonian Choir Association, he was named Estonia’s Conductor of the Year in 2006. Since 1993, he has served as chief conductor of Estonia’s Student Song Festivals, and since 2004, of the Estonian Song Festivals.
CHOIR SONOROS
Debuting in the spring of 2018, this choir—conducted by artistic director Valerija Skapienė—has earned acclaim at both national and international choral competitions. They frequently collaborate with Lithuanian opera soloists and orchestras. Their performances are praised not only for a high level of mastery but also for the strong emotions evoked through carefully curated and engaging programs.
The choir includes singers aged 16 to 65 from various professional backgrounds and with diverse choral experience—some have been dedicated to music since childhood, while others began their journey with the choir itself. This diversity keeps the group vibrant, energetic, and ever-evolving.
Valerija Skapienė, the choir’s leader, is a choral music expert with over 30 years of experience. She is also the director of the private music school “Ugnelė,” founder of the Lithuanian National Children’s Choir, and teaches choral conducting at the J. Tallat-Kelpša Conservatory in Vilnius.
