General information
I focus all my efforts on the preservation and thriving of the Estonian nation, its culture and language. The unique nature of the Estonian culture is the cornerstone of the strong mental health of our nation. Commitment to developing the regions of Estonia is absolutely imperative; dignified standard of living and self-realisation must be ensured across the country.
Parliamentary group:
Committee:
Electoral district:
E-mail:
Phone:
+372 631 6615
Seniority in days:
780
Date of birth:
28.07.1969
Place of birth:
Rakvere
Family:
Non-marital partnership, two children, two stepchildren
Education:
Kärdla Secondary School 1987;
Viljandi Culture Academy of the University of Tartu, (Viljandi Cultural College), Folk Music 1994;
former University of Tartu, Public Administration 1997‒2004.
Viljandi Culture Academy of the University of Tartu, (Viljandi Cultural College), Folk Music 1994;
former University of Tartu, Public Administration 1997‒2004.
Career:
Viljandi Folk Music Festival, Head 1993–;
AS Tartu Laululava (Tartu Festival Arena), Head 1998‒2002;
National Heritage Board, Deputy Director General 2002‒2004;
Estonian Traditional Music Centre, Director 2004–2013;
Mayor of Viljandi 2013-2017;
Ministry of Education and Research, project manager of Education and Research Strategy 2020+ 2018‒2019;
Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership/ Estonian Centre for International Development, Senior Expert 2019–2021.
AS Tartu Laululava (Tartu Festival Arena), Head 1998‒2002;
National Heritage Board, Deputy Director General 2002‒2004;
Estonian Traditional Music Centre, Director 2004–2013;
Mayor of Viljandi 2013-2017;
Ministry of Education and Research, project manager of Education and Research Strategy 2020+ 2018‒2019;
Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership/ Estonian Centre for International Development, Senior Expert 2019–2021.
Party affiliation:
Patria Union / Pro Patria and Res Publica Union 1995‒ 2018;
Estonia 200 2021–,
Estonia 200 2021–,
Membership in representative bodies:
15th Riigikogu 2024‒ (Chair of Constitutional Committee 2025– );
Viljandi City Council 2005–2013, 2021–2024, also elected in 2013.
Viljandi City Council 2005–2013, 2021–2024, also elected in 2013.
Awards:
Order of the White Star, 5th Class 2001. Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland 2016.
Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Endowment for Folk Culture Annual Award 1996, Endowment for Music Award 2023;
Cultural Award of the Republic of Estonia 2004;
University of Tartu Star of Appreciation Award 2023.
Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Endowment for Folk Culture Annual Award 1996, Endowment for Music Award 2023;
Cultural Award of the Republic of Estonia 2004;
University of Tartu Star of Appreciation Award 2023.
Other activities:
Association of Local Authorities of Viljandi County, Deputy Chairman 2013–2017;
Estonian Society for Music Education, honorary member;
Student Corporation Sakala.
Viljandi Folk Music Festival, founder 1993;
Estonian Traditional Music Centre, initiator 2004;
Viljandi Pärimusmuusika Ait folk music venue, initiator 2008.
Performing musician 1992–2002, incl. concert tours to Belgium, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and USA. Eponymous album of the band Alle-aa 1997, instrumental solo artist on the album Jäljed by Tõnis Mägi 2003.
Independence Day concert, art director 2010;
11th Youth Song Festival, member of the artistic committee and head of the folk music section 2011;
ETV series Aja kõlad (Sounds of Time), co-author and presenter 1998;
Vikerraadio world music programme Rahvastepall, author and presenter 2018–2020.
Estonian Society for Music Education, honorary member;
Student Corporation Sakala.
Viljandi Folk Music Festival, founder 1993;
Estonian Traditional Music Centre, initiator 2004;
Viljandi Pärimusmuusika Ait folk music venue, initiator 2008.
Performing musician 1992–2002, incl. concert tours to Belgium, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and USA. Eponymous album of the band Alle-aa 1997, instrumental solo artist on the album Jäljed by Tõnis Mägi 2003.
Independence Day concert, art director 2010;
11th Youth Song Festival, member of the artistic committee and head of the folk music section 2011;
ETV series Aja kõlad (Sounds of Time), co-author and presenter 1998;
Vikerraadio world music programme Rahvastepall, author and presenter 2018–2020.
Hobbies:
literature, movies, music, theatre, figurative art;
sports: sailing, tennis, diving, windsurfing, skiing;
pets (dog owner).
sports: sailing, tennis, diving, windsurfing, skiing;
pets (dog owner).