Andres Mustonen: Perhaps I'm a 'tick citizen', but dedication is the most important
Musician Andres Mustonen says his ensemble Hortus Musicus hasn't performed in its home venue for a year, and he proposes zero rent in exchange for school concerts, stressing that devotion to one's work is paramount.
Estonian musician Andres Mustonen has spoken about the difficult situation facing his ensemble Hortus Musicus. In an interview on Vikerhommik, he revealed that the group has not been able to perform in the gate tower hall, which has been their home for 30 years, for the past year. He proposed setting the rent at zero and in return, the ensemble would offer school concerts or events as part of Eesti Kontsert's program.
Mustonen noted that Hortus Musicus is no longer part of Eesti Kontsert and this situation needs to be resolved. He described the current state as "semi-thievery" when they enter to rehearse. The ensemble has between 55 and 60 instruments with nowhere to store them, and Mustonen joked about moving them to his small house in Mäh.
When asked about his approach, Mustonen said he might be a "citizen-tick" (a play on words suggesting a parasite), but emphasized that in life, the most important thing is dedication to one's work. He stressed that none of the musicians receive a salary; they are driven by love and commitment. He criticized the dry, bureaucratic handling of cultural matters, saying it causes great pain.
The 55th season of Hortus Musicus is set to begin in August.
