Late this evening, the winners of the Estonian String Players’ Competition were announced in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. The first prize was awarded to Triinu Piirsalu, the second prize to Aleksander Traksmann, Ali Amishov, and Uku Toots, and the third prize to Ekke Rainer Arndt. Finalist diplomas were awarded to Brendan Aleksander Tarm, Maria Martin, and Karoliina Kuppart.
Special Prizes:
Lossimuusika Concert Series Special Prize: a concert on 4 January at Kadriorg Palace – Triinu Piirsalu
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Special Prize: a study or concert trip worth €1,000 – Ekke Rainer Arndt
Pärnu City Orchestra Special Prize: a solo performance with the Pärnu City Orchestra during one of its concerts over the next two seasons – Triinu Piirsalu
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra Special Prize: a concert with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra during one of the next two seasons – Uku Toots
Eesti Kontsert Special Prize: a concert organised by Eesti Kontsert during one of the next two seasons – Brendan Aleksander Tarm
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra Special Prize: a solo performance with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra – Triinu Piirsalu
Special Prize for Outstanding Concertmaster Performance at the Estonian String Players’ Competition: Lea Leiten
The history of the Estonian String Players’ Competition dates back to 1969, and it is a highly regarded and eagerly anticipated event within the music community. In 2015, the competition was won by cellist Marcel Johannes Kits, and in 2020 by violinist Hans Christian Aavik. The 2025 competition took place from 26 November to 5 December in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
The programme of the first round consisted of three works with a total duration of 20–25 minutes and had to include one piece from the Baroque or early Classical period and one virtuoso work. The programme of the second round, lasting 30–40 minutes, was compiled by the performer with the aim of best highlighting their musical individuality. In the third round (the final), the participant performed one freely chosen instrumental concerto with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
The participants were evaluated by an international jury consisting of Paula Šūmane (violin, Latvia, Chair of the Jury), Jari Valo (violin, Finland), Arigo Štrāls (viola, Latvia), Fabio Presgrave (cello, Brazil), and Siret Lust (double bass, United Kingdom/Estonia).
The Estonian String Players’ Competition was organised in cooperation between the Estonian Music Council, the NGO Musical Youth in Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
Congratulations! We thank all participants, teachers, supporters, and the audience.