Jan Järvlepp is a celebrated cellist and composer, known for works such as Rise and Fall of the Avro Arrow and Dance of the Winds. His compositions have been featured in major performances, including the opening season of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra—a tradition that takes place every October.
While many Ottawa residents are familiar with his music, few know the man behind the compositions. Ottawa Trend sheds light on his journey.
Jan’s Childhood
Understanding Jan Järvlepp’s upbringing offers insight into his musical roots. He was born in 1953 to a Finnish-Estonian family. His parents moved to Ottawa after World War II, and his first language was Finnish. However, he quickly mastered English.
Although his family did not actively embrace American culture, classical music played a significant role in their household. His parents frequently listened to CBC Radio, where classical music was a staple. Yet, as a child, Jan gravitated toward pop music, dismissing classical as something only adults enjoyed.
His first encounters with music were not entirely smooth. His mother played the piano, which initially piqued his curiosity. However, when he tried playing himself, he found it boring and quickly lost interest. Jan briefly pursued string instruments, while his brother played woodwinds.
First Attempts at Composing
Jan often recalls a personal story about his first composition efforts. At 12 years old, he watched The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. Inspired, he began experimenting with sound, producing metallic noises. At the time, he didn’t realize he was taking his first steps in composition. He later compared these early attempts to riding a bike without using hands.
By the time he was 14, Jan had taken up the bass guitar and harmonica. When he entered university, he studied composition and cello performance. Through his studies, he realized he shared artistic synergy with his composition professors, who were modernists.
In 1981, Jan returned to Ottawa after completing his doctoral studies in composition and 20th-century music at the University of California, San Diego. He studied under prominent figures such as:
- Will Ogdon
- Roger Reynolds
- Luis de Pablo
and others.
Upon his return, he quickly joined the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) and took on various roles as an independent cellist, composer, and educator. His resume includes experience as a recording technician and a contractor for chamber music groups.
His passion for musical diversity and experimentation continued to grow, which became evident in his compositions.
His Musical Style
Järvlepp’s musical style is a blend of European-American fusion. His works are often autobiographical, reflecting his eclectic background. As a teenager, he was a virtuoso cellist with the Ottawa Youth Orchestra while simultaneously playing electric guitar in a rock band.
One of his dream projects was to compose a piece for metal percussion instruments and orchestra. His love for unconventional instrument pairings is evident in many of his works.
Garbage Concerto
One of Järvlepp’s most famous works is the Garbage Concerto. This piece exemplifies his innovative approach to music.
The inspiration came on a sunny summer day in 1992, when Jan began experimenting with metal cans, glass jars, and plastic bottles in his kitchen. The unconventional sounds sparked an idea.
When he presented this concept to David Currie, conductor of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, it was well received. After four years of development, the Garbage Concerto premiered in 1996 under Currie’s direction.
In Memoriam
This deeply emotional composition was written in memory of Järvlepp’s brother.
Jan composed it while spending time in the palliative care unit of Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga. He and a close friend visited daily, offering comfort as his brother was dying. His brother could no longer speak, making this an incredibly painful experience for Jan.
After his brother’s passing, Jan returned home and wrote a deeply lyrical piece. He later described In Memoriam as one of his most honest works—and indeed, every note resonates with raw emotion.
Three Moments in Canadian History
Commissioned by the Ottawa Arts Council, this composition was meant to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017.
However, the original performers refused to play it, and the piece remained unperformed.
Fortunately, Jan’s former student, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne, was in the process of forming a duo for cello and piano. Alongside pianist John Kofi Dapaa, Raphael performed Three Moments in Canadian History at the Canadian Museum of History.
Later, on August 31, 2019, the duo reprised the piece at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
The composition highlights two historically significant moments:
- “The Driving of the Last Spike in the Canadian Pacific Railway.”
- “The Rise and Fall of the Avro Arrow.”
Jan Järvlepp as a Teacher: Innate Talent or Acquired Skill?
Järvlepp’s success as a teacher was not an innate gift but rather the result of hard work and perseverance. He practiced relentlessly, regardless of setbacks.
Teaching, unlike performance, offered a stable career. Reflecting on his journey, Jan once said:
“I can look back and say I contributed to shaping the musical landscape of many people. Raphael is a prime example of that.”
This refers to Raphael Weinroth-Browne, one of Järvlepp’s most accomplished students, who later embarked on a successful solo career.
Leaving the Cello: What’s Next?
In 2019, Järvlepp announced his retirement from the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. He had been playing the cello for 52 years and spent 38 seasons with the orchestra. At 66 years old, he had surpassed the standard retirement age.
Despite stepping away from large performances, his musical journey was far from over.
A major milestone in his personal life occurred on September 11, 2021, when he married Jane Staples at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ottawa. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Joel Kraus.
For the occasion, Järvlepp composed two new pieces:
- Procession
- Recession
The wedding featured live performances by:
- Alla Perevalova (violin)
- Keegan Lazarus (piano)
- Steve Smith (cello)
Today, Jan enjoys a more relaxed pace of life. He still plays guitar and cello for pleasure and occasionally performs at church services. However, he has retired from major concerts and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra.
Regardless of where life takes him, one thing remains constant: his deep connection to music and composition.
