Member of the Estonian Composers' Union since 1958Works for the stage (especially musicals, ballets) and incidental music for puppet and feature films form a significant part of Ülo Vinter's oeuvre. Additionally, his has composed works for orchestra (e.g. orchestral suite Paunvere), songs for children, choral music, light music (songs and pieces for light music orchestra) and chamber music. Lyricism and humour, also nature motives and character images can be found in his music. Many of his works have been awarded in composition competitions.The most famous piece among Ülo Vinter's works is children's musical Pippi Longstocking (co-author Ülo Raudmäe, 1969). It has received the most numerous performances in Estonian theatres. Only Pippi Longstocking's first production was played altogether 410 times. A Song of the Nordic Land from this musical belongs to the treasury repertoire of Estonian Song Celebrations. Vinter has also composed music to such cult films like Men don't Cry (1968), Young Retiree (1972) and Here We Are (1979). Also A song Little House by the Sea from the feature film last mentioned is widely known.During the lifetime the theme of the novel Spring by Oskar Luts was near to Vinter's heart. He has composed ballet Spring (1967), two musicals Spring (1981 and 1991), stage cantata Spring or the Pictures of School Years (1983) and children's film A Spring in the Heart (1985) after the novel.Ülo Vinter graduated from the Tallinn Music High School in music theory in 1951 and the Tallinn State Conservatoire in composition (firstly with Mart Saar, later with Villem Kapp). He has worked as the music editior at public broadcaster Estonian Radio (1956-1969) and Estonian Television film production company Eesti Telefilm (1969-1986).
