Olaf Kopvillem

Who was Olaf Kopvillem?

Olaf Kopvillem was a prominent Estonian World War II refugee. Having settled in Canada, he engaged in the organisation of Estonian exile activities there, and is known for his numerous humorous covers of well-known songs.

As a high school student, Kopvillem joined Eesti Omakaitse and was recruited in the German army, come World War II. In 1944, he emigrated to Germany and later to Canada, where he graduated from Sir George Williams University majoring in chemistry.

Kopvillem headed Montreal Estonian female choir, and was for almost 20 years the leader of Montreal Estonian mixed choir. He also taught at Vikerlased, a folk music group.