Peeter Sarapuu (Estonia)

Peeter Sarapuu is a renowned bassoon player, chamber musician, concertmaster, and pedagogue. His repertoire comprises preferably early music played by original instruments (Baroque and Classical bassoon) and also contemporary music and solo programs often include French music.

Peeter Sarapuu began music studies on flute at Kiviõli Children´s Music School, where he graduated in 1978. Studies continued at Georg Ots Tallinn Music School (graduated in 1982) and Tallinn National Conservatoire (graduated in 1989), both under the guidance of Andres Lepnurm. From 1991to 1992 Sarapuu developed his skills in Helsinki, receiving private lessons by László Hara.

From 1982 to 1983 Peeter Sarapuu worked at Estonian National Opera Orchestra and in 1985–1991 at Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (1989–1991 an assistant concertmaster). In 1991–1993 Peeter Sarapuu played at the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland, in 1993–1998 Sarapuu was the concertmaster of Vaasa City Orchestra. Since 1998 Sarapuu works at Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (since 2005 as a concertmaster). In addition, Sarapuu has taught bassoon at Rovaniemi Music School (1991–1993), West Bothnia Music School, and Kuula-piano Music Institute in Vaasa (both 1994–1998). Since 1998 Peeter Sarapuu is Head of Old Town Music School.

Peeter Sarapuu belongs since 1992 to The Finnish Double Reed Society (FDRS, Finnish abbreviation SOFS) and since 2001 to the International Double Reed Society (IDRS). Sarapuu has also acted as a soloist and chamber musician. As a soloist, Sarapuu made his debut in 1986 playing W. A. Mozart´s Bassoon Concerto with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, in addition, has Sarapuu played solo with Chamber Orchestra of Lapland, Vaasa City Orchestra and cooperated with NYYD ensemble, Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, Sixth Floor Orchestra (Kuudennen Kerroksen Orkesteri) and Opus X Ensemble. Sarapuu´s repertoire comprises preferably early music, which is played by original instruments – Baroque and Classical bassoon. He also plays contemporary music and his solo programs include often French composer's music.

Peeter Sarapuu has given recitals at several festvals such as NYYD (since 1991), MaezerMusic (since 2003 in Berlin), Musica Antiqua Bruges (2003), Europamusicale (2004 in Berlin, Wiesbaden, Leipzig, München) and Aterforum (2005 in Italy). He has made recordings for the Estonian Public Broadcast and has been a soloist in several CD recordings such as Eino Tamberg's Concerto Grosso (Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Arvo Volmer), Toivo Tulev's Be Lost in the Call (NYYD Ensemble, conductor Olari Elts) and Beauty of History (Corelli Consort).