The Estonian National Male Choir concludes its calendar year with Christmas concerts at Tartu and Tallinn St. John’s Churches. These performances have become a cherished favorite among audiences.

The choir’s festive program is traditionally curated by a distinguished Estonian conductor from the younger generation, and this year, that honor falls to Leiu Ryland-Jones. Leiu was awarded second place in the 2024 Estonian Young Choral Conductors Competition and received a special prize from the Estonian National Male Choir.

Leiu serves as the conductor for the Ellerhein Children’s Choir and holds the position of artistic director for the Avis Animi Chamber Choir. Additionally, she has guest-conducted the Tampere Cappella and the Sibelius Academy Opera Choir.

Leiu Ryland-Jones graduated with honors from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, earning a bachelor’s degree in choral conducting under the guidance of Professor Tõnu Kaljuste. Since autumn 2022, Leiu has continued her studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, under the tutelage of Professor Nils Schweckendiek.