Conducting standard orchestral and opera repertory, Olari Elts is particularly interested in the music of Estonian and other northern European composers. Elts made his recording debut in 2001 on an album of works by composer Raimo Kangro. From 2001 to 2006, Elts served as the principal conductor of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. Elts founded the NYYD Ensemble to emphasize programming contemporary music. For his work promoting Estonian music, he received the Order of the White Star, Fourth Class, from Estonia's government. Elts became the chief conductor of the Estonian National Symphony in 2020, and the following year, he appeared on an album of double and triple concertos by composer Kalevi Aho, conducting the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.