On March 25, 80 years will pass since the birth of Estonian composer, pedagogue and legendary jazz musician Uno Naissoo. His output comprises very different genres from orchestral music to choral works. More important are his jazzy popular songs, that belong to Estonian music treasury and are in the programmes of national singing festivals and repertoire of jazz singers until today. Naissoo initiated the first Estonian jazz festivals and founded pop-jazz department in Tallinn Music School. Besides he played in several ensembles, was active as a pedagogue and wrote textbooks and articles on music. His whole life is characterised by an abundant musical activity. Uno Naissoo 80th anniversary is celebrated with concerts in different places in Estonia.
On March 27 at 8 p.m. in Tartu Athena Centre and March 30 at 5 p.m. in KUMU Art Museum, Maestro’s son Tõnu Naissoo with his quartet (Tõnu Naissoo - keyboards, Meelis Vind - clarinets, Taavo Remmel - double bass, Marko Naissoo – percussion) and young singer Anna Põldvee will perform music by Uno Naissoo in the concert “Dedication to Uno Naissoo (80)”.
On March 28 at 7 p.m. concert “Uno Naissoo 80” will take place in Tõrva Church-Chamber Hall. The performers will be the ensembles and choirs of Tõrva Singing Studio.
On April 5 at 4 p.m. final concert of traditional Uno Naissoo Youth Composition Contest will take place in the hall of Georg Ots Tallinn Music School. Contest is held for the 23rd time this year. Beside the pieces, also performers will be awarded.
Within the festival Estonian Music Days, “Uno Naissoo 80 Gala Concert” will take place on April 6 at 4 p.m. in the first studio of the Estonian Radio. Uno Naissoo’s music will be performed by students and orchestras of Tallinna Georg Ots Music School. Also the winning piece of the Naissoo Composition Contest will be presented.
Mariliis Valkonen