Graduate of the Tallinn State Conservatory in composition (Prof. E. Kapp), 1953. Worked for some years as a consultant of the Estonian SSR Union of Composers and since 1968 teaches composition at the Conservatory. Since 1974 secretary of the Estonian SSR Union of Composers. Tamberg is a prominent figure among contemporary Estonian composers; ever since 1956, when his Concerto Grosso was given for the first time, his influence has been felt in Estonian music. The Concerto Grosso was awarded the gold medal at the Sixth World Youth and Student Festival in Moscow, 1957. The year 1956 marks a definite change of style in the works of Tamberg and the others of his generation: Rääts, Pärt, Marguste and Tormis.

One would venture to suggest that this will be confirmed by those who some day will write the history of Estonian modern music. Tamberg has composed works in various genres; in addition, he has shown interest in the problems facing those listening to modern music and its particular language.

Several of his larger symphonic works, e. g. Ballet-Symphony (1959) and Moonshine Oratorio (1962) possess a clear form where choreographic or textual elements are interwoven with the musical process. In the 1960's Tamberg became interested in syntheses of different types of art. His Moonshine Oratorio is pointing in that direction. This multimedia interest may be an offshoot of his work in theatre and film music.