Tempus Balticus was established in 2016 as an ensemble for contemporary ideas and a fresh approach to the rich world of chamber music. It was founded by cellist Māra Botmane, clarinetist Jānis Tretjuks, and Estonian pianist Johan Randvere. Since the founders represent Latvia and Estonia, the Baltic Sea region has an important role in defining the ensemble’s identity, and one of the main objectives of Tempus Balticus is to explore, expand, and promote contemporary academic chamber music of the region.

 

The musicians had been friends already since their school days, when the idea of creating an ensemble arose, but did not come to fruition. The three lived in different European countries until their dream finally materialised in 2016. The musicians had returned home, full of energy to start something new; they were active performers in the Baltics and sparked exciting projects in collaboration with other musicians in their concert programmes.

 

After the sudden loss of Jānis Tretjuks in 2019, it was decided to keep the cello and piano as the basic formation, with a different musician joining them in each concert programme according to the fundamental ideas of the ensemble.