Adalbert Wirkhaus
Adalbert Wirkhaus was an Estonian composer and conductor. He was the first Estonian professional conductor.
Life
Wirkhaus' father was the musician and Estonian social movement figure David Otto Wirkhaus. In 1908, he graduated from Leipzig Conservatory in conducting and in composition speciality.[file:532327 Ida Suvero Elvi Nander Linda Tubin.jpg|thumb|, Elvi Nander and while appearing in Wirkhaus's Kevadtormid in 1934]
From 1908 to 1912, he was a music director of the Estonia Theatre. 1912–1917, he was a music director of Valga Säde Society. In 1919, he founded Tartu [Music School].
In 1944, he fled with his family from the advancing Red Army to Germany. Since 1949, he lived in Fort Lauderdale, USA. His son was the composer and conductor Taavo Virkhaus and his nephew was the composer, choir director and organist Leonhard Virkhaus.
Works
- Jaaniöö, the first Estonian operetta
- Kevadtormid, operetta