On the afternoon of Sunday, May 25th, 2025, Ensemble U: presented an augmented reality (AR) enhanced cosmic journey, set to the music of Canadian-Estonian composer Udo Kasemets. The concert was made possible through the generous support of Alan Teder, who dedicated it to the memory of this composer, who also happened to be his piano and music theory teacher.
Ensemble U:, recognized as Estonia's most active and renowned contemporary music ensemble, performed selections from Kasemets' “Timetrip to Big Bang and Back” cycle. This work, originally intended to be performed with dancers, video projection, and electronic sounds, explored cosmological phenomena and the themes of time and space. The use of augmented reality on smartphones brought rotating celestial bodies and phenomena directly into the concert hall, allowing the audience to “view the cosmos.” Additionally, the performance featured two special instruments, Columbine and Amaranth, which were built according to the instructions of Canadian composer and instrument creator Gayle Young.
After the performance, Young (who was in attendance) also talked with audience members who stayed behind, to talk about the design of these instruments.
Photos by Peeter Põldre
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