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Olav Roots papers

 Collection
Identifier: IHRC3691

Abstract

Olav Roots' letters to family Kalam, Endel Kalam's correspondence concerning the activities of Estonian artists' troupe in Germany, programs, newspaper clippings.

Dates

  • 1946-1987

Language of Materials

Estonian, English, German, Spanish, Swedish, Latvian

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS

Open for use in the Elmer L. Andersen Library reading room.

OWNERSHIP & LITERARY RIGHTS

This collection may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law. For further information regarding the copyright, please contact the IHRCA.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

Feb. 26. 1910 Uderna, Tartumaa county, Estonia - Jan. 30.1974 Bogota, ColombiaEstonian conductor.Born as a schoolteacher's son. Started his piano studies in Pärnu, Estonia, later studied in Tartu Music School (Tartu Kõrgem Muusikakool) under Adele Hippius. Also studied composition under Heino Eller. After graduating from Tartu Music School, took exams to graduate from Tallinn Conservatory (Tallinna Konservatoorium), specializing in piano and composing. 1931-1935 worked in Tartu Music School as a piano and theory teacher, from 1935 was the head of conductor and chamber music class. Made his conductor debut as a conductor of „Vanemuise“ summer choir, he was 19 at the time. Also studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Paris as the Estonian Culture Capital grantee. 1939 went to work in Tallinn, became the conductor of the Estonian Broadcasting symphony orchestra. 1944 emigrated to Sweden, where he was a music teacher in Sigtuna Estonian School. In 1952, Roots was invited to Colombia, where he became the conductor of „Orquesta Sinfonica de Colombia“. He worked in Colombia for the rest of his life, making the Bogota orchestra one of the best in South America. Made guest appearances with his orchestra in Chile, Peru and Venezuela, also introducing the music of such Estonian composers as Heino Eller, Eduard Tubin, Mart Saar and Kaljo Raid.Wife: Astrid Son: Jaan (Oct. 15 1956) Awards:Award of merit from the president of Colombia for promotin Colombia's musical life.

Extent

5 linear inches

ORGANIZATION OF MATERIALS

Archive consists of 5 folders.

PROVENANCE

Collection transferred to the IHRC from the Estonian Archives in the U.S.A. (EAU) in 2003-2005. It was processed as part of a collaborative project between the Estonian Archives in the USA (Lakewood, New Jersey), the National Archives of Estonia (NAE), and the IHRC in March 2012. Gristel Ramler and Tiina Trumberg of the National Archives in Tallinn, Estonia, worked with IHRC staff on the project.

RELATED COLLECTIONS

IHRC 3528 Alari, RudolfIHRC 3600 Kalam, Endel ja Erika (related to musical activities in Germany)

Title
Inventory of the Olav Roots papers.
Author
IHRC Archives
Date
2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding Aid in English

Collecting Area Details

Contact The Immigration History Research Center Archives Collecting Area

Contact:

612-625-4800