Artistic Focus and Education

Lisanna Laansalu is a young Estonian conductor whose musical path began with piano studies at Põltsamaa Music School. She later studied choral conducting at the Heino Eller Music College and at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT) under the guidance of Professor Toomas Kapten. In 2025, she graduated cum laude in choral conducting from EAMT and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (KMH).

Alongside her studies in Sweden, Laansalu leads several musical projects in both Estonia and Sweden, developing her artistic profile within an international environment. She has participated in masterclasses led by Jorma Panula, Risto Joost, and Martin Sieghart, as well as the Järvi Academy.

Conducting and Artistic Leadership

Within a short period of time, Laansalu has achieved significant milestones: she has founded her own orchestra, premiered several new works, and curated composer-focused concerts. She is one of the founders of the Põhjakõla Orchestra, an ensemble consisting of students and alumni of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Põhjakõla focuses on 20th- and 21st-century music, with a strong commitment to commissioning and premiering new works by Estonian composers.

This work reflects Laansalu’s particular interest in lesser-performed repertoire and contemporary creation. She seeks to enrich concert life with new musical voices while bringing overlooked works back into the spotlight.

As a conductor, Laansalu has worked extensively in both orchestral and choral music, shaping each project with a clear artistic vision. She curated and conducted the Raimo Kangro concert “Inimene ja…” at the Estonia Concert Hall. She has collaborated with the EAMT Sinfonietta and conducted various Estonian choirs, including Voces Tallinn, Tumult Ensemble, the EAMT Choir, and the women’s chamber choir Sireen.

Mission

Laansalu is dedicated to presenting Estonian music to wider international audiences and to building new bridges for artistic collaboration across borders. She continues to refine her artistic skills and realize new ideas, contributing both to the development of Estonian musical life and to the enrichment of the international cultural landscape.