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Estonian composer renowned for sacred minimalist music and the creation of the 'tintinnabuli' compositional techniqueBorn in Paide, Estonia. Studied at Tallinn Conservatory. Worked as sound engineer at Estonian Radio. Emigrated from USSR in 1980 due to artistic suppression. Settled in Berlin. Developed revolutionary tintinnabuli style after creative hiatus. Most performed living composer since 2010.

• Soviet authorities banned his religious works (e.g. 'Credo' 1968), leading to artistic silence from 1968-1976
• Developed tintinnabuli technique during reclusive period - characterized by simple triadic harmonies and bell-like tones inspired by Orthodox chant
• Emigrated under pressure after refusing to remove Christian references from compositions
• His 'Tabula Rasa' (1977) became cult classic after ECM Records release, catapulting him to international fame
• First composer to win the Ratzinger Prize (2017) for unifying theology and music