Tormis, Velio

Tormis, Velio (8–7–1930, Kuusalu, near Tallinn). Estonian organist, choral cond., and comp. Grad. 1956 from the M. Cons., where he was a pupil of Fortunatov (instrumentation) and Shebalin (comp.). Later taught at the Tallinn Mus. Institute (1956–60). Is an expert on Estonian folk music and a talented comp. of choral works. Was early infl. by Sviridov, then continued the tradition of Stravinsky's Wedding (with much ostinati). His cantata Kalevipoeg also suggests Sibelius. Works: Sort…