Andres Kaljuste is one of Estonia’s most versatile musicians. Whether as an orchestral conductor, concertmaster, chamber musician or contemporary jazz band member, Kaljuste is known for bringing a unique blend of clarity, passion and natural flow to a diverse range of musical styles.
A regular guest conductor at the Estonian National Opera, Kaljuste has made ballet repertoire a main feature of the 24/25 season and intends to continue this path in 25/26. Kaljuste was part of the creative team bringing out Alisson Kruusmaa’s new ballet “Light from the End of The World” and led performances including Le Corsaire and Alice in Wonderland, opening the 24/25 season for Estonian National Ballet. Current season highlights also include returning to conduct Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and performing at Whittington, Naantali and Pärnu Festivals. Andres will also play a key part in the launch of Mingo Rajandi band’s album “Werewolves” where he features as a violist.
Since graduating from the Sibelius Academy orchestral conducting class in Finland, Andres Kaljuste has appeared with many major orchestras in the Nordic region including Helsinki Philharmonic, Lahti Sinfonia, Tampere Symphony Orchestra, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Aalborg Symhony Orchestra, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and Odense Symphony Orchestra. Along the way Kaljuste has collaborated with distinguished musicians such as Arvo Pärt, Steven Isserlis, Sakari Oramo, Thomas Adès, Paavo Järvi, Mark Padmore, Tõnu Kõrvits and Hans Christian Aavik.
He appears frequently alongside pianist Sophia Rahman championing and commissioning music by his fellow Estonian composers including Pärt, Kõrvits and (Pärt’s teacher) Heino Eller. The Kaljuste/Rahman duo released their debut album in 2024 to critical acclaim, featuring premiere recordings of Eller’s works for violin and piano.
Before taking up orchestral conducting studies Kaljuste trained as a violinist and violist, gaining valuable experience as a player in top London orchestras such as the Philharmonia and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and in mainland Europe with orchestras such as Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin and Helsinki Philharmonic where he acted as guest-principal viola for three seasons.
A passionate educator and mentor, Kaljuste has taught at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Lilla Akademien Stockholm, Heino Eller Music School and Tallinn School of Music and Ballet where he acted as Creative Director of Classical Studies between 2022 and 2024.