Ensemble U: is the flagship of Estonian contemporary music, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023. Founded in 2002 by Tarmo Johannes and Taavi Kerikmäe, the ensemble consists of six musicians: Tarmo Johannes (flute), Helena Tuuling (clarinet), Merje Roomere (violin), Levi-Danel Mägila (cello), Taavi Kerikmäe (piano), and Vambola Krigul (percussion).
The collective is characterized by a sensitive soundscape, openness to bold experimental ideas, and the ability to perform even the most demanding works without a conductor. In addition to Estonia, they have performed at major international festivals abroad. U: dedicates itself to both classics of modern music and experimental compositions. A key focus for the ensemble is delving into improvisation and the interpretation of works requiring non-traditional notation. They perform Estonian music and regularly commission new works from international composers.
The ensemble has released several albums:
U: (2009)
Protuberantsid (Protuberances, 2011)
Alive (2015)
During the 2013/2014 season, marking their tenth year of activity, they launched the lecture-concert series “URR” in collaboration with the Estonian National Broadcasting (ERR). The series introduced and performed pivotal themes and composers of contemporary music. U:’s collaboration with Klassikaraadio on this series concluded in 2025, having presented a total of 45 lecture-concerts.
U: has gained significant attention with its interactive “Audience Orchestra” project and the concert “Look Around You, Look Within You,” which merges contemporary music with virtual reality (VR). In 2022, in collaboration with the creative collective eˉlektron, U: staged augmented reality (AR) versions of parts of Udo Kasemets’ monumental multimedia work Timetrip to Big Bang and Back (1992).
In the field of music theatre, U: has repeatedly collaborated with the internationally acclaimed conceptual dance choreographer Mart Kangro. This partnership has produced several productions:
Mäng (Game, 2006), Romeo and Juliet (2008), Harmoonia (Harmony, 2009/2023), In the Dark (2019), created for the ISCM World Music Days at Kanuti Gildi SAAL.
From 2018 to 2020, U: participated in the international project “DYCE” (Discover Young Composers of Europe) alongside prestigious ensembles such as Divertimento Ensemble (Italy), Cikada Ensemble (Norway), and Taller Sonoro (Spain). The final concerts of the follow-up project, “DYCE 2,” took place in June 2023.
www.uuu.ee