Estonian Voices

estonian-voices-by-sohvi-viik
Mikk Dede

Rasmus Erismaa
Mirjam Dede
Maria Väli
Aare Külama
Kadri Voorand

Estonian Voices is an a cappella vocal ensemble, singing jazz, folk and pop influenced music, mostly original compositions and arrangements of Estonian folk music, but also arrangements of some well know world wide hits.

Some of the field’s greatests like Peder Karlsson from The Real Group and Britt Quentin from M-Pact have recognized Estonian Voices as a vocal ensemble with a unique sound not only in Estonia, but in Europe and why not worldwide.

Estonian Voices came together in 2010 for Christmas Jazz Festival organized by Jazzkaar in Estonia. The idea of putting together a vocal ensemble started with Tallinn 2011 Capital of Culture in cooperation with Estonian Jazz Union and Jazzkaar Festival, who invited Britt Quentin from M-Pact to start working with the group. Jazz singer and composer Kadri Voorand was asked to call the group together to lead it and arrange for it. Most of the singers are the previous or present students of Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. The idea was to work in few sessions during the year 2011 and finally to give a concert together with Britt from M-Pact at Christmas Jazz Festival 2011.
The group continued after the project and has given many concerts, including concerts not only in Estonia, but also in Germany, Russia and Sweden, every single one receiving highly positive response. 2013 they toured all the biggest concert halls in Estonia together with Estonian Dream Big Band and famous jazz vocalist Datevik Hovanesian. At Christmas Jazz 2013 they were the guest artists on New York Voices concert and also won the hearts of both audience and the NY Voices.

The tenor Mikk Dede is a requested soloist in many top choirs and ensembles in Estonia, including the ECM artist Vox Clamantis.
The soprano Maria Väli is a young jazz singer, who has won many prizes for her compositions and singing, including the I prize in the Uno Naissoo Young Composers Competition. 2013 she presented her debut album.
The alto Mirjam Dede, besides being an active musician and a soloist of TTÜ Big Band, she is also a beloved music teacher at Meero Music.
The bass Aare Külama is a jazz pianist and member of bands like Näkk Loviise, Maneo and Vox Clamantis. graduated from Viljandi Culture Academy.
The baritone Rasmus Erismaa is the newest member of the group, who is also a singer and assistant conductor of the Estonian National Male Choir.
The leader and the main arranger for the group is Kadri Voorand, who is known for her original music and improvisational style.