Conductor Viljar Puu Weimann has Died, Aged 63

Weimann was the founder of Alabama’s Orchestra Sul Ponticello and a pivotal figure in the city’s arts scene

The Estonian-born conductor and violinist Viljar Puu Weimann was the founding Music Director of the Orchestra Sul Ponticello in Decatur, Alabama. ​For 10 years, he also worked as the Music Director of the Shoals Symphony. 

Throughout his two-decade career, he conducted well over 200 performances of classical, pops, and educational concerts, plus over 100 fully staged opera performances. 

Weimann made his international conducting debut in 1992 when he guest conducted the Estonian National Opera Company Orchestra. From then on he appeared with orchestras across Poland, Czech Republic, Canada, Romania, Russia, Estonia, and the U.S. 

Following his studies at the Tallinn Music High School, and winning first place in the Estonian National Young Artists Competition on violin, he continued his study of violin and choral conducting at the Tallinn Music Academy. 

In 1982, he immigrated from Soviet Estonia to Canada and later earned his master’s in orchestral conducting from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He also attended summers at the Pierre Monteux School, where his mentors included Charles Buck, Antonin Wit, Kirk Trevor, Gustav Mayer, Alexander Polyanichko, James Paul, Robert Spano, and John Barnum.

Later on, he served as Associate-Director of the Huntsville Symphony, Music Director of the Huntsville Opera Theater, and Music Director of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. He was also the Minister of Music at many churches, including the Decatur Methodist Church. As an educator, he taught violin at The University of North Alabama for a decade.

Additionally, he served as president of Toronto’s Estonian Arts Center, and was the founding director of the Estonian Composers in North America foundation dedicated to the recording and promotion of works by North American Estonian composers. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founding Artistic Director/Conductor Viljar Puu Weimann — he was a husband, father, violinist, conductor, educator and church leader,” the orchestra posted on Facebook. “He will be remembered not only for his artistry and professionalism, but for his warmth, joy, laughter, encouragement of young musicians and life of service to the community. The prayers of the Decatur Orchestra Sul Ponticello family are with the Weimann’s during this difficult time.”

Our condolences to Mr. Weimann’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.