Kaljo Raid

Kaljo Raid, born on March 4, 1921, in Tallinn, Estonia, was a multifaceted artist known for his contributions as a composer, cellist, and pastor. He was the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and a twin sister. His musical journey began at the Tallinn Conservatory, where he studied composition under the esteemed Heino Eller. Raid's talent was evident early on, as his Symphony No. 1 premiered in 1944, coinciding with his graduation.

After graduating, Raid pursued theological studies in Stockholm from 1945 to 1946, followed by further education at the Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts until 1949. His academic pursuits led him to a teaching position at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he had the opportunity to meet notable composers such as Jacques Ibert and Darius Milhaud.

In 1954, Raid relocated to Canada, where he took on the role of pastor at the Estonian Baptist Church in Toronto, a position he held for thirty-five years. His personal life took a turn in 1982 when he married late, becoming a stepfather to five children. Following his retirement in 1989, he dedicated himself entirely to composition, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical works.

Among his notable compositions are four symphonies and an opera titled 'Fiery Chariots,' which explores the life of Polycarp of Smyrna, completed in 1993. Additionally, he contributed to the completion of the first movement of Eduard Tubin's unfinished Symphony No. 11. Kaljo Raid passed away in 2005 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music and theology.