Peeter Vähi’s (b. 1955) works are characterized by broad-minded stylistic versatility, listener-friendly sound, skillful application of exotic instruments and electronic facilities, a wide range of moods from philosophical and meditative right through to Baroque movements. Noteworthy are composer’s wide horizons, in his vocal compositions he has used the lyrics (in addition to his native Estonian language) in Sanskrit, Tibetan, German, English, Latvian, Russian, Latin, Japanese, Fulani and Coptic languages. His most important works are oratorio “Mary Magdalene Gospel”, “Mystical Uniting” for chamber ensemble, etc.
In his youth Peeter Vähi learned to play the accordion, the piano and the double bass. He graduated from the composition department of the Tallinn State Conservatory in 1980 (advisor Prof. Eino Tamberg). Peeter Vähi has worked as a freelance composer and a record producer; also as a concert producer in the Estonian National Concert Institute (1990−2000). Currently, he is the artistic director of ERP (Estonian Record Productions) and two international music festivals − Eastern Music Festival Orient and Glasperlenspiel Festival.
Vähi’s works have been published by ERP, Erdenklang Musikverlag, Eres Edition, Edition 49, CultureWare Music Publ, and Maren Musikverlag. His music has been released on about 70 records, including 12 solo albums. As a keyboard player, Peeter Vähi has performed with different ensembles (pop-rock group Vitamiin, jazz-rock group Uus Generatsioon, experimental projects), orchestras and choirs (including the 30.000-members choir at the Estonian National Song Festivals). In recent decades Peeter Vähi has been in close cooperation with musicians from Tibet, India, Japan, Uzbekistan, China / Taiwan, Siberia and other parts of Asia.