Miina Härma (; 9 February 1864 – 16 November 1941) was an Estonian composer, organist, choir director, and music teacher, known for being Estonia's first professional female composer and organist.

Early life and education

Miina Hermann was born on at the schoolhouse of in Kõrveküla, Governorate of Livonia (present-day Estonia). Härma's father was a schoolteacher.

Personal life

In 1935, Härma changed her surname from Hermann to Härma.

Legacy

Her greatest contribution is perhaps the fact that she took organ music to the countryside, as virtually no skilled organists gave concerts outside of towns.

During Estonia SSR the in Tartu district was named after Härma.

In 1965, the by was erected on Härma's grave. The memorial monument was declared an Estonian cultural heritage monument in 1997.

References