Risto Joost is a prominent figure among the younger generation of Estonian conductors. He has appeared widely with orchestras around the Baltics and beyond, and he is noted for his work in technically challenging contemporary music.
Joost was born in the Estonian capital of Tallinn on June 22, 1980. He began music lessons at age six and, after showing unusual talent, was enrolled in a special music school in Tallinn. Joost attended the Estonian Academy of Music, studying orchestral and choral conducting as well as voice (he is a countertenor). For graduate study, he attended ...