Chairman of the Composers Union (1974-1993)

Jaan Rääts is the longest-serving leader of the Estonian Composers' Union, he has been involved in the organizational work of the Estonian Composers' Union for a total of 27 years.

In the years 1974-1993, he acted as the chairman of the Composers' Union and previously as the deputy of Boris Kõrver, the chairman of the Composers' Union in 1966-1974. In 1975, Jaan Rääts was elected secretary of the Union of Composers of the USSR, the then chairman of the Union of Composers of the USSR was Tikhon Hrennikov.

NEW RESEARCH WORK (2021)

​Under the supervision of  Tiiu Männiste (media and communications PhD) an cultural management alumna of the Tartu University Viljandi Culture Academy completed a seminar work:

Jaan Rääts, Chairman of the ENSV and Estonian Composers'  Union, as a cultural manager in the contemporary context of cultural management" (2021) 

Interviews for the completion of the work were given by top Estonian cultural and social figures:​​

​Alo Põldmäe, Sven Grünberg, Priit Kuulberg, Heiki Pisuke, Peeter Paemurru, Reet Remmel,  Olav Ehala, Peeter Vähi, Merike Vaitmaa, Voldemar Lindström, Eeva Potter, Rein Rannap, Virve Normet, Jüri Trei, Igor Garšnek, Tiina Mägi,​ Jaan Rääts. 

​The diploma work is available in Estonian in the library of Tartu University Viljandi Culture Academy.
E-CATALOGUE ESTER:   https://www.ester.ee/record=b5482181*est​


SUMMARY

The theme of the seminar work is Jaan Rääts, Chairman of the Estonian Composers' Union and the Estonian SSR, as a cultural organizer in the contemporary context of cultural management. The sample consists of 17 interviewees, including composers, musicologists and cultural figures who have had long-term collaborations with Jaan Rääts through the Composers' Union and external organizations. 

Long-term creative and pedagogical activities

Due to his democratic management style, long experience in the cultural field and diplomatic personality Jaan Rääts was repeatedly elected Chairman of the Composers' Union. He is one of the longest-running leaders in the history of the Estonian Composers' Union- a total of 27 years, 19 years chairman of the Composers' Union. His contribution as a composer, pedagogue and cultural leader in social activities is also important. He is a world-renowned composer, a teacher of composition with a large number of students (including Raimo Kangro, Erkki-Sven Tüür, Tõnu Kõrvits, Mihkel Kerem, Vsevolod Pozdejev, Timo Steiner, Tõnis Kaumann, Avi Benjamin Nedzvedski, Toomas Trass, Tõnu Raadik, and other talented composers).

Contributing to the preservation of Estonian musical high culture

As an effective cultural organizer, Jaan Rääts helped to preserve the high musical culture of Estonia. Jaan Rääts had long-term work experience in Estonian Radio (sound director 1955 -1966) and Estonian Television (editor-in-chief of music programs and music director of television) in 1966 -1974. His versatile work experience made it possible to develop co-operation between Estonian Radio, Estonian Television and the Estonian Composers' Union in organizing joint music events, promoting and storing Estonian music culture. In the years 1974 -1993, when the Composers' Union was directed by Jaan Rääts, favorable recording opportunities were created for the musical works of Estonian composers. The new creation of all members of the Composers' Union was acquired (bought) by the Ministry of Culture. Thanks to this, the Estonian Theater and Music Museum has manuscripts of composers 'works, recordings of Estonian composers' works on Estonian Radio and video materials on Estonian Television, which are available to all researchers around the world.

Supporting young composers, an innovative approach to music culture As the chairman of the Composers' Union

Jaan Rääts also opened up opportunities for young composers and musicians, inviting them to take part in the daily activities of the Composers' Union. As a leader, he defended members of the Composers' Union and young composers and musicians with the authorities in the event of problems. Today, young talented composers have become outstanding cultural figures, many of whom have also 57 been students of Jaan Rääts. As a chairman of the Composers' Union he defended innovative music styles. Jaan Rääts understood the significance of developing youth music in the context of Soviet culture. Using his social position, he legitimized the music we now call the beginnings of Estonian progerock under the guise of dealing with Soviet youth culture. At the moment, it is a classic of music, at that time it was seen by Soviet cultural officials as a protest against Soviet rule.

​Initiation of music events

As the chairman of the Composers' Union Jaan Rääts initiated, coordinated and organized numerous music and cultural events. In order to promote the composer's new works more widely he initiated in 1979 Estonian Music Festival (Estonian Music Days since 1991), which is still the oldest and largest music festival in Estonia. Contributing to the creation of a new cultural space in the process of re-independence Jaan Rääts was one of the founding members of the Cultural Council of the Creative Unions of the USSR in 1987, and one of the organizers and facilitators of the joint conference of the Presidium of the Creative Unions of the USSR held on 1-2 April 1988. As the head of the Composers' Union, Jaan Rääts was one of the founders of the Estonian Authors' Society and a signatory of the Estonian Authors Society' Declaration. The head of the Estonian Composers' Union, Jaan Rääts, was one of the chairmen of the extraordinary eighth session of the 11th Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 16. November 1988, when the Declaration on the Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR was adopted.
​