On March 23, 2024, I had the pleasure of performing in a live broadcast concert celebrating the 50th birthday of Ardo Ran Varres. The event, held in the 1st studio of the Estonian Public Broadcast, showcased a diverse selection of his instrumental concert music, featuring both contemporary and historical instruments, as well as electronic soundscapes.

Varres’ music is well-known to the wider public through films, television, and theatre productions, but this concert focused on his instrumental works, including three world premieres. His ability to blend different musical languages—ranging from runo songs (Estonian folk melodies) to aleatoric music and live electronics—was central to the evening’s program.

As part of Ensemble Floridante, I performed in two pieces:

• “Uudissõnu/Unarsõnu” – A contemporary Baroque ensemble piece that expanded upon its first part, premiered in November 2023. The second part was introduced for the first time in this concert.
• “Prelude Pääsuke“ – A solo theorbo work, which gave me the rare opportunity to bring this historical instrument into a modern compositional setting.

Blending Old and New: A Signature of Varres’ Style

One of the most remarkable aspects of Varres’ compositions is how they bridge the old and the new. This concert featured a combination of classical, Baroque, and modern instruments enhanced by electronic elements.

His interest in musical storytelling was especially evident in the premiere of “The Anonymous Whistleblower,” a piece for piccolo flute and live electronics exploring deception and chaos. As the composer himself described:

“One whistle can trigger chaos. What seems insignificant at first may cause a domino effect, unleashing a destructive avalanche.”

Similarly, “CHNOPS – Essential Life Elements,” written for Ensemble Auftakt, was built around an aleatoric (chance-based) structure, reflecting the six fundamental elements necessary for life: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

“Uudissõnu/Unarsõnu” – A Work in Development

Floridante first performed part of “Uudissõnu/Unarsõnu” in November 2023, and for this concert, we premiered the second part of the piece. As described in a Sirp magazine review by Mirje Mändla, the work is:

“In line with the vision of a mature and seasoned composer, revealing itself in a more introspective and measured mood.”

This thoughtful, subtle composition allowed the Baroque instruments—violin, viola da gamba, theorbo, and harpsichord—to interact in unexpected ways, reinterpreting their historical timbres through a contemporary musical lens.

A Unique Theorbo Solo: “Prelude Pääsuke”

Performing a solo contemporary theorbo work is always an exciting challenge. “Prelude Pääsuke” (Prelude Swallow) was written with the instrument’s natural resonance and sustain in mind, allowing the music to unfold in long, expressive phrases. The result was a piece that felt both meditative and expansive, perfectly suited to the theorbo’s rich tonal palette.

As a musician primarily working in historically informed performance, I always appreciate opportunities to expand the theorbo’s role beyond Baroque music. Varres’ sensitive yet innovative approach to composing for early instruments is an excellent example of how they can remain relevant and expressive in contemporary music.

A Live Experience for a Wider Audience

Since the concert was broadcast live, listeners across Estonia (and beyond) could experience these premieres in real-time. The energy of live radio performances adds an extra intensity to the moment—you know that every note is being heard as it happens, making the experience both thrilling and fleeting.

Beyond my own performances, the concert included:

🎵 Kristin Müürsepp (piccolo flute) & Nikita Šiškov (live electronics) – “The Anonymous Whistleblower”, exploring the unpredictability of deception.

🎵 Kadri-Ann Sumera & Maila Laidna (piano duo) – “13 Pieces for Two Pianos on Estonian Runo Songs”, emphasizing the cultural DNA of Estonian music.

🎵 Ensemble Auftakt (clarinet, violin, and piano) – “CHNOPS – Essential Life Elements”, a work reflecting the core building blocks of life.

🎵 Tallinn Chamber Orchestra String Quartet – “The ‘Ultimate’ Truth”, a reflection on post-truth society and media distortion, using reversed sounds and manipulated recordings.

A Celebration of Estonian Contemporary Music

Ardo Ran Varres’ 50th birthday concert was not just a retrospective of his career but a bold exploration of new musical ideas. The mix of Baroque instruments, modern ensembles, live electronics, and conceptual themes created a rich and varied program, highlighting the depth and originality of his work.

For me, the chance to bring the theorbo into a contemporary setting, both in an ensemble and as a soloist, was a true highlight. Events like these reaffirm the versatility of historical instruments and their ability to remain meaningful in modern music.

If you missed the live broadcast, here’s the recording: https://jupiter.err.ee/1609278770/kontserdisaalis-ardo-ran-varres-50