Iran’s musical heritage is one of the oldest in the world, rooted in centuries of rich modal systems and poetic traditions. While traditional Persian music has always played a central role in Iranian identity, the incorporation of Western classical music began in earnest during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, particularly in the early 20th century.

When we think of contemporary classical music, our minds often immediately jump to Western orchestral or electronic instrumentation—or experimental textures made from unconventional sounds. But in the event of Iranian Music Evening at Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia, the concert centered around a traditional Iranian instrument and gave us a compelling example of contemporary classical expression with deep cultural roots.

Music is often described as the most abstract of the arts, yet it has the power to shape images, stir emotions, and tell stories without a single word. In her debut album The Best Chapter, Italian composer and pianist Alessandra Toni does exactly that. Each of the twelve tracks feels like a finely sculpted conic form—shaped with precision, depth, and poetry. Her music doesn’t shout—it breathes, it unfolds. And through this carefully woven journey,

When I first encountered the music of Lauré Lussier, I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would stir me. There’s a palpable breath in his compositions—something alive, something not imposed but revealed, unearthed. Though I sensed the subtle hand of minimalism, what truly captivated me was how seamlessly he integrates orchestral language with natural and synthetic soundscapes. His works don’t simply use sound—they become it.

Eyes Like Torches at the Gate features two solo guitar pieces by the Polish composer and guitarist Ratyński. The music is striking, expressive, and rhythmically intricate. I was especially drawn to the way different rhythmic patterns emerge and evolve, adding depth and emotional resonance to each piece.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea that consciousness isn’t a privilege reserved for humans. What if everything—objects, places, even the air between us—has its own form of awareness? It may be beyond our comprehension, but it’s a poetic and powerful notion. This idea is called panpsychism, and it’s the perfect name for Test Patterns’ latest album.

Pierre Boulez reshaped contemporary classical music through both composition and conducting.

Ester Mägi (1922–2021) was one of Estonia’s most distinguished composers, often referred to as the “First Lady of Estonian Music."

Usually, I write reviews about music composed by other musicians. This time, though, I’ll be writing about my own music Elegy Sonata

Lepo Sumera (1950–2000) remains a significant figure in the landscape of Estonian classical music, known for his innovative orchestral works

György Ligeti (1923–2006) was a Hungarian-Austrian composer celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to 20th-century classical music.

I've often been asked by Estonians why I chose to relocate to their country. While my decision involved many factors, one stands out above t

John Adams, born on February 15, 1947, in Worcester, Massachusetts, is one of the most celebrated and influential contemporary composers.

Aaron Vaurio Jackson’s Not Yet Home is a soundscape of longing, and a diary of contrasts It is a sonic map, a map of the heart.

The sweet arpeggios of a violin, playing softly, create a rural and emotional scene that opens the album Rural TV Classical by the brilliant

Arashk Azizi, an Iranian-born composer, pianist, and music producer currently based in Tallinn, Estonia, is an artist who epitomizes the fus

The improvised brushstrokes of Orhun Alaşıklık’s piano, painted across a sonic canvas, come together to form three evocative musical portrai

Lopez & Arevalos, a mesmerizing musical duo, craft an evocative blend of classical tradition and contemporary experimentation. With their ro

Viktoria Kryukova is an artist whose talents span across multiple disciplines, including music, songwriting, and visual arts.

Matteo Ramon Arevalos stands out as a gifted composer and pianist in the realm of contemporary classical music. His works showcase a rare ab