In his youth Peeter Vähi learned to play the accordion, the piano and the double bass. During his studies, the young composer took interest in baroque music, also in oriental and electronic music. In 1980 he graduated from Estonian Academy of Music as composer. Having completed his studies, Peeter Vähi has worked as an author of musical programs for the Estonian Radio, a producer at the State Concert Institute of Estonia and Estonia Record Productions, artistic director of several international festivals (Orient, Arvo Pärt Festival, Glasperlenspiel, Estonian culture festivals in Germany and Japan). He is a member of Estonian Academic Oriental Society, also a member of the boards of Estonian Composers’ Union and Mahayana Institute, also the president of Estonian Buddhist Society.

His most important compositions are The White Concerto for guitar and symphony orchestra, To His Highness Salvadore D for flute, violin and guitar, Pastoral Of Computerized World (commissioned for the 50th anniversary of UNESCO) for flute, cello and piano, 2000 Years After The Birth Of Christ for early music consort and symphony orchestra, Supreme Silence for female voice, male choir and handbell ensemble, Chant Of The Celestial Lake for flute and chamber orchestra.

As a keyboarder Peeter Vähi has performed with different musicians. For more than 6 years, he directed the rock group Vitamin. From time to time, he has performed together with several chamber ensembles, orchestras and choirs (including the 30,000-members choir at the Estonian National Song Festivals). In the recent years Peeter Vähi has been in close collaboration with musicians from India, China, Siberia and other parts of Asia.

Vähi’s scores have been published by Edition 49, Antes Edition Classics, Eres Edition, Sony Music and CultureWare Music Publ. Since 1992 his music has been released on 40 CDs by Antes Edition Classics, Erdenklang, CCn’C, EMI, Warner Classics, Universal, Finlandia Records, Euromedia, Melodiya. On several occasions, Vähi’s works have been awarded different music prizes.