Martin Taras

Originally, he was an accountant, and played the clarinet in military and amateur orchestras. His decision to study voice came late; he made his debut at the age of 32 in Tartu, and was a soloist of the Tallinn opera theater from 1932 to 1959.

His repertory included light and relatively dramatic roles, which he didn't sing in different stages of his career, but all at the same time: Ernesto, Alfredo, Lenskij on the one hand, Radames, Canio and Tannhäuser on the other – and José, Manrico, Lohengrin or Calaf in between. In the 1950s, he switched to comprimario parts: Shujskij, Steuermann or Spalanzani.