Virgo Veldi

b. August 10, 1969 Kohtla-Järve
Member of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians

Saxophonist Virgo Veldi graduated from the Georg Ots Tallinn Music School under the guidance of Villu Veski and Olavi Kasemaa in 1988. He continued his studies at the Tallinn Conservatory with Kasemaa and received Bachelor’s Degree in 1993.
In 2004, Veldi graduated from the Sibelius Academy with Pekka Savijoki and obtained Master’s Degree.

Virgo Veldi won the third prize at the competition of Estonian wind instrument players (1990) and the main prize and the audience prize at the competition-festival “Con Brio” (1996).

In 1991–2001, Virgo Veldi worked as a saxophone teacher at the Georg Ots Tallinn Music School and since 2001 he has held the same position at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. He has also conducted several master courses here in Estonia and abroad.

As a soloist, Virgo Veldi has performed in front of Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s Symphony Orchestra, Estonian Radio’s Orchestra and Georg Ots Tallinn Music School’s String Orchestra, conducted by Vello Pähn, Andres Heinapuu, Mati Põder, Peeter Saul, Aleksander Rjabov and Tarmo Leinatamm.

Veldi has performed chamber music from different eras with pianists Ralf Taal, Mati Mikalai, Nata-Ly Sakkos, Kai Ratassepp, Piia Paemurru and Ene Nael, organ players Ulla Krigul, Aare-Paul Lattik, Tiia Tenno, Ines Maidre and harp player Tatjana Lepnurm.

Virgo Veldi has played in NYYD Ensemble and Estonian Dream Big Band. Since 2000, he has been a member and the artistic director of saxophone quartet SaxEst.
Veldi has recorded music for Estonian Radio and different CDs.

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