trumpeter.
arranger.
composer.
“In Pajumaa’s performance, the trumpet’s convincing command of musical qualities stood out, betraying masterly and ample technical reserves.”
“He is probably one of the youngest authors to have been featured at the Song Celebration.”
Translated from Estonian
An American in Paris
Listen to my performance of this iconic trumpet solo in George Gershwin's "An American in Paris", which I performed at the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra's New Year's Concert on 1 January 2024.
About me
Martin Pajumaa is an Estonian trumpet player, arranger, and composer, currently studying at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts with Immanuel Richter and Huw Morgan. Among others, he has performed as a soloist with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Junge Philharmonie Zentralschweiz, while also playing with the Gstaad Festival Orchestra, European Union Youth Orchestra and Estonian National Opera Orchestra.
As an arranger, Martin’s works are regularly performed by professional orchestras and ensembles. His orchestration of Little House by the Sea was featured at the Estonian Youth Song and Dance Celebration and will be performed at Latvia’s 2025 Celebration. His latest original composition, as I walk past the street… for brass quintet and percussion, has been performed in Estonia and Sweden and recorded by Tuulisbrass.
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Martin Pajumaa is a trumpeter, arranger and composer currently studying trumpet at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts with Immanuel Richter and Huw Morgan. He is a prize-winner of numerous competitions and has taken part in masterclasses with Omar Tomason, Miroslav Petkov, Uwe Köller and Hannes Läubin, among others.
As an orchestral musician, Martin Pajumaa has worked with the Estonia National Opera Symphony Orchestra and the Gstaad Festival Orchestra and has played with the European Union Youth Orchestra. He regularly freelances with professional Estonian orchestras and foreign ensembles and has collaborated with conductors such as Jaap van Zweden, Antonio Pappano, Manfred Honeck, Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, Sir Mark Elder, Arvo Volmer, Olari Elts, Tõnu Kaljuste and Risto Joost.
Martin is an avid chamber musician, he is a member of the brass ensemble Tuulisbrass and has performed with the Estonian Academic Brass Quintet. He is dedicated to presenting Estonian music, performing music by composers such as Tõnu Kõrvits, Eino Tamberg, Rein Rannap, Peeter Vähi, Erich Jalajas, Uno Naissoo and Hillar Kareva. In February 2024 he premiered the original piano version of Ülo Vinter's Trumpet Concerto.
In addition to his work as a trumpeter, Martin is also a composer and arranger, with projects with the Estonian National Opera, the Pärnu City Orchestra and the Tallinn Police Orchestra. In the summer of 2023, his orchestration of the piece "Little House by the Sea" was performed at the Youth Song Celebration, and the same piece will be performed at the Latvian Youth Song Celebration in 2025.
As a composer, Martin's most extensive work to date, "as I walk past the street…" (2021/2024) for brass quintet and percussion, has been performed in Estonia and Sweden, and recorded by Tuulisbrass ("Estonian Music for Brass", 2023).
Martin began his trumpet studies at the age of seven at the Tabasalu Music School under the tutelage of Valdo Rüütelmaa, and later continued his studies at the Tallinn Music High School in Indrek Vau's trumpet class. In 2023, he graduated from Tallinn College of Music and Ballet with the highest distinction.
Arrangements
Little House by the Sea
by Ülo Vinter
Discover my wind band orchestration of this beloved Estonian piece. Originally composed for the 1977 musical The Vacationers and popularized by the 1979 film Siin me oleme!, Ülo Vinter’s "Little House by the Sea" is a beloved piece of Estonian film music. My arrangement, crafted for the 2023 Estonian Youth Song Celebration to be played by over 1000 musicians, brings a fresh twist to this iconic song, reflecting its enduring charm and significance in Estonian culture.
This arrangement is available for purchase.
In 2024, this arrangement was selected to be played at the 2025 Latvian Youth Song Celebration. For this reason, a special second edition has been published and is available for sale. Perfect for wind bands looking to add a unique touch to their repertoire.
Arrangements
Trumpet Concerto
by Tõnu Kõrvits
Immerse yourself in this trumpet and harp arrangement of Tõnu Kõrvits' Trumpet Concerto, a piece that beautifully captures the essence of Estonian musical heritage. Originally composed for solo trumpet and symphony orchestra, this arrangement was reimagined for a duo performance, presented during my solo recital in February 2024. The adaptation features a refined interplay between trumpet and harp, performed with the talented harpist Kaisa Helena Žigurs.
Original Work
as I walk past the street…
Explore my original piece for brass quintet and optional percussion, dedicated to an Estonian ensemble, Tuulisbrass.
"as I walk past the street…" is by its nature a simple nocturne that captures the tranquility of a wintry night in my Northern Estonian home village. The piece evokes a peaceful, snowy scene with deserted streets, guiding listeners into a meditative state. Bell-like motifs mimic distant church bells, enhancing the sense of stillness. The use of flat key signatures adds somber, pastoral hues, while occasional moments of unrest and dissonance remind us of everyday life, preventing us from slipping too deeply into serenity.
This original composition is available for purchase.
Published by I Brass Music, “as I walk past the street…” is perfect for brass quintets seeking a distinctive piece inspired by the breathtaking Estonian nature. Premiered in 2021 and updated in 2024 with a version for Brass Quintet only, this piece has recieved positive recognition in
Estonia and Sweden.
Hear “as I walk past the street…” performed by Tuulisbrass on their latest album “Estonian Music for Brass”:
Published by I Brass Music.