Veronika Portsmuth is an Estonian conductor and singer.
Childhood
Portsmuth started singing at the age of 3, when she started as one of the soloists in Ave Kumpas singing studio. During that period she performed in many TV music programmes for children.
Further training in orchestral conducting by Jüri Alperten and Michael Bartoch, participation in conducting project led by Cecilia Rydingen-Alin, master classes by Eri Klas and Filippo Maria Bressan.
The Estonian Concert Choir was formed in June 2010 to perform oratorios and other big vocal compositions. The choir works on project basis. Portsmuth has been working with the choir from its very beginning. Projects:
Portsmuth has been teaching choir conducting and vocal training from 2005 in Tallinn Music Highschool. Since 2010 she is teaching conducting in the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Interest in Nordic culture and arts
Portsmuth is focused on Nordic culture and contemporary music. In September 2008 she presented in Tallinn the first Faroese opera The Madman's Garden by Sunleif Rasmussen. She has created a series of concerts with the overall Nordic theme, where Nordic contemporary choir music has been performed.
2003 – "Põhjala piisad", Tallinn Chamber Choir
2004 – Nordic contemporary choir music in Vaal Gallery, Tallinn Chamber Choir
2008 – "Vihmast ja enesest", Nargen Opera Choir, Mixed Choir of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and vocal group I.C.E.
2010 – "Päike läbi tuhapilve", vocal group I.C.E., female choir MIINA and NordArt Ensemble
2012 – "Armastusest ja enesest", Mixed Choir of the European Capital of Culture, female choir MIINA and male ensemble KARL, the Mixed Choir of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and the Chamber Orchestra of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Song Celebrations
In July 2007 Portsmuth conducted the mixed choirs section in the 10th Estonian Youth Song Celebration. In 2009 at the XXV Song Celebration "Üheshingamine" Portsmuth conducted mixed choir sections a cappella work by Piret Rips-Laul "Mehed ja naised", which was specially composed for the event. In 2011 Portsmuth was the artistic director of the Estonian 11th Youth Song Celebration "The Wide World begins in a Small Land".
Other
In 2011, Portsmuth participated as a celebrity contestant on the fifth season of Tantsud tähtedega, an Estonian version of Dancing with the Stars. Her professional dancing partner was Märt Agu.
