Kaie Tanner elected first Estonian vice president of choral federation

Kaie Tanner, executive director of the Estonian Choral Association, has been elected a vice president of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM), becoming the first Estonian to hold the post, ERR reported. The federation’s new board began work in October, with Tanner responsible for partnerships and finance.

The IFCM has five vice presidents, from Estonia, Venezuela, Canada, Germany and Japan. Burak Onur Erdem, artistic director of the Turkish State Choir, was elected president. The board has 15 members from around the world.

Founded in 1982, the federation brings together choral organisations, choirs and individual members worldwide. Its work spans education, visibility, advocacy, sharing experience and networking events. Its major events include the World Symposium on Choral Music, held every three years. The most recent symposium took place in Macau, China, in August.

Tanner graduated in choral conducting from the Estonian Academy of Music in 2000 and has also studied at the EELK Church Music School and taken courses in Austria and Finland. She is president of the Choral Festival Network and conducts choirs at the Radio Children’s Song Studio.