Eri Klas

Eri Klas (Russian Эри Эдуардович Клас; born June 7, 1939 in Tallinn ) is a Soviet- Estonian conductor.

Early years

Eri Klas was inspired by his mother Anna Klas, a well-known pianist for the music. Klas studied under the composer and conductor Gustav Ernesaks at Tallinn Conservatory and from 1964 to 1967 under the direction of Nikolai Rabinovich at the Conservatory of Leningrad. From 1964 he was conductor of the Concert Hall in Tallinn Estonia. From 1966 to 1969 class was the conductor of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. From 1975 he was principal conductor and artistic director of the Estonia Concert Hall.

International success

From 1985 to 1989 class worked as chief conductor at the Royal Opera in Stockholm. From 1990 to 1996 he headed the Symphony Orchestra of Aarhus. From 1996 to 2003, he worked as chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra. Since autumn 2006 he has been principal conductor of the New Opera Theatre Kolobov in Moscow.

Eri Klas was from 1993 to 1997 professor at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. In over 40 countries, he has conducted symphony orchestras. A large audience, he is also known for his numerous drives and CD recordings, including the music of Arvo Pärt. Eri Klas was a frequent conductor of the Estonian song festivals and is considered one of the most famous Estonian conductor of all time.

Volunteering

Since June 1, 1999 Eri Klas is Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF. In addition, the former boxer is a member of the Estonian Olympic Committee.

Private life

Eri Klas was married in first marriage with the Estonian soprano and actress Nieves Klas ( born Lepp ). The couple has a daughter (born 1967 ). Then Klas joined two other marriages.