Competitions

Weebileht: Keelpillimängijate konkurss

Statutes of the Estonian String Players’ Competition

The Estonian String Players’ Competition is a springboard for talented local string players. Five years have passed since the last competition, and during this time a new generation of string players has emerged, for whom the event offers an opportunity to test themselves. The competition enriches musical life with gifted musicians and opens the way to concert stages, while also providing an overview of the level and current state of young string players in Estonia.
The competition is organized in cooperation with the Estonian Music Council, Musical Youth MTÜ, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

1. Time and Venue
The Estonian String Players’ Competition will take place from 26 November to 5 December 2025 in Tallinn.
The first, second, and third rounds, as well as the award ceremony, will be held in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
2. Participants
The competition is open to:
Estonian citizens;
Individuals holding a residence permit in Estonia;
Foreign students residing in Estonia and enrolled in degree studies;
Foreign students who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, provided that no more than three years have passed since graduation.
3. Age Limit
Participants must be at least 16 years old at the time of the competition.
4. Competition Categories
The competition is held in four disciplines: violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
5. Rounds
The competition consists of three rounds.
A maximum of 16 participants will advance to the second round, and a maximum of 8 participants will advance to the third round (final).
6. The competition will be evaluated by an international five-member jury.
7. The registration deadline for the competition is 1 October 2025.
8. Prizes
The competition awards monetary prizes. The total prize fund is up to 15,000 euros.
The number and amount of prizes will be determined by the decision of the jury.
The jury’s decision is final.
In addition, special prizes will be awarded by the competition’s partners.
9. Audience
All rounds of the competition are open to the public.
10. Performance of Works
All competition pieces must be performed from memory.
11. Accompaniment
Participants perform with their own piano accompanist.
12. Jury’s Right to Interrupt a Performance
The jury has the right to interrupt a performance if it exceeds the time limit or does not meet the required standard.
13. Recording Rights
The organizers of the competition have the right to record, photograph, film, and produce audio or video recordings, as well as to make internet, radio, or television broadcasts of all rounds of the competition and the final concert.
The organizers retain all reproduction rights.
Performances are not remunerated.
14. Special Voting Condition
A jury member shall not vote if they have been the teacher of the participant in question within the previous two years.
15. Practice Facilities
During the competition, practice facilities are provided for all participants in the premises of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
16. Final with Orchestra
The repertoire of the third round (final) will be performed with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
17. Rehearsal with Orchestra
Finalists will be provided with one rehearsal with the orchestra prior to the third round.
18. Order of Performance
The order of performance will be determined by drawing lots. Attendance at the draw is mandatory for all participants.
The drawn order will remain valid until the end of the competition.
19. Illness
In the event of a participant’s illness, confirmed by a doctor, the jury may grant permission for the participant to perform out of order at the end of the round.
In such a case, the new order of performance shall remain in effect until the end of the competition.
20. Acceptance of the Rules
By registering for the competition, the participant confirms that they have read and understood the present rules and agree to comply with them.
21. Registration
Registration is conducted electronically.
22. Participation Fee
Participants registered for the competition must pay a participation fee of 50 euros no later than 1 October 2025
to the Estonian Music Council’s bank account
IBAN: EE941010022000130003.
The participant’s name must be indicated in the payment reference.
The participation fee is non-refundable in the event of non-participation.
COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

General Provisions
1.1. Works included in the competition programme may not be repeated.
1.2. At least one work by an Estonian composer must be performed in the competition.
1.3. All works must be performed from memory.
1.4. The final deadline for submitting repertoire changes is 22 October 2025.
Round I
The program consists of three works, with a total duration of 20–25 minutes:
One work from the Baroque or Early Classical period (movements from a larger work are permitted);
One virtuosic work of the participant’s choice;
One work of free choice.

Round II
The performer is free to design a program with a duration of 30–40 minutes, showcasing their musical individuality to the fullest.
Round III (Final)
The final round takes place in cooperation with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. The participant performs one instrumental concerto of their own choice. The participant must ensure the availability and accessibility of the orchestral materials for the selected

By registering for the competition, the participant confirms that they have read and understood the repertoire and competition regulations and agree to comply with them.