Ardo Ran Varres (b. 1974) is an actor and composer. He began studying clarinet at the Tallinn Music High School with Hans Suurväli. In 1996, he graduated from the Drama School of the Estonian Academy of Music (supervisor Kalju Komissarov). In 2011, he obtained his Master’s degree in composition at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre with Prof. Helena Tulve.
In the years 1996–2001, Ardo Ran Varres was an actor at the Rakvere Theatre, and in 2001–2003 at the Estonian Drama Theatre. He has played more than 30 roles and performed also in Finland, Denmark and Germany. He worked as a music director at the Estonian Drama Theatre from 2003–2011. He has composed music for more than 20 stage plays, for a number of films, television programs, television series and radio plays.
In 2002, his children’s musical Arabella ja Taaniel (Arabella and Taaniel, a story by Aino Pervik) was staged in Rakvere Theatre in cooperation with Peeter Raudsepp and Toomas Suuman.
Ardo Ran Varres’ theatre music can be found on three albums: Macbeth (2001), Arabella ja Taaniel (2003) and Õhtusöök sõpradega (Dinner with Friends) (2007).
Ardo Ran Varres has received several awards for his music:
2003 Estonian Authors’ Society Annual Award for music in drama theatre
2004 Estonian Drama Theatre Colleague Award Ilu-Ants
2008 Estonian Authors’ Society Award for music in stage play Võluõunad (Magic Apples)
2009 Award for sound design in play Lõputu kohvijoomine (Endless Coffee Drinking) at the festival Drama 2009
2010 Special Award of the Estonian Theatre Union for the dance performance Kevade (Spring)
2016 Theatre Award of the Union of Estonian Theatre Researchers and Critics
2016 Annual Prize of the Estonian Theatre Union for original music and sound design for Krabat by Tallinn City Theatre.
As a musician, Ardo Ran Varres has played keyboards in ensemble Radio Maria since 2006. In 1990–1993, he worked closely with Sven Kuntu and together they wrote a number of songs for the ensemble Eriti Kurva Muusika Ansambel.
In addition to his membership in the Estonian Composers’ Union, Ardo Ran Varres is also a member of the Estonian Actors’ Union and since 2004, he is the Chairman of the Association of Estonian Theatre Music Directors.
EMIC