In 1997, Kristjan Kõrver graduated in music theory from the Georg Ots Tallinn Music School where he also studied composition with Alo Põldmäe. In the same year he continued his studies in the Estonian Academy of Music and obtained bachelor degree in composition with Prof. Eino Tamberg and Helena Tulve in 2003.
Kõrver’s music has been performed by Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Voces Musicales, conductors Risto Joost and Lauri Sirp, mezzo soprano Iris Oja, Estonian zither (kannel) player Kristi Mühling, flutist Tarmo Johannes, cellist Leho Karin, Ensemble Resonabilis, pianists Kai Ratassepp and Irina Zahharenkova, Quartet SaxEst and others, his works have been presented at the Estonian Music Days Festival, the Autumn Festival of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, the new music festival “Arena” in Latvia, Estonian Young Composers’ Festival, Tallinn International Harpsichord Days and Suure-Jaani Music Days.
Expansio I for four alto saxophones was awarded the Composer Prize at the Estonian Music Days Festival 2003. In 2005, Kõrver´s work co for solo percussion and string orchestra participated in the International Composers´ Rostrum in Vienna in the category of composers under 30 years. Gratis dictum for instrumental ensemble was awarded the Composer Prize at the Estonian Music Days Festival 2007. In 2013, Kõrver was given the Annual Award of the Edowment for Music of Cultural Endowment of Estonia for the chamber opera Steel Ants.