The award recipients of the Estonian String Players Competition were announced in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre on 5 December 2025. The 1st prize was awarded to Triinu Piirsalu, the 2nd prize to Aleksander Traksmann, Ali Amishov and Uku Toots, and the 3rd prize to Ekke Rainer Arndt. Finalist diplomas were given to Brendan Aleksander Tarm, Maria Martin and Karoliina Kuppart.

Special Prizes:

• Special Prize of the “Lossimuusika” concert series: a concert on 4 January 2026 at Kadriorg Palace – Triinu Piirsalu

• Special Prize of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre: a study or concert trip worth 1000 euros – Ekke Rainer Arndt

• Special Prize of the Pärnu City Orchestra: a solo performance with the Pärnu City Orchestra within the next two seasons – Triinu Piirsalu

• Special Prize of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra: a concert with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra within the next two seasons – Uku Toots

• Special Prize of Eesti Kontsert: a concert presented by Eesti Kontsert within the next two seasons – Brendan Aleksander Tarm

• Special Prize of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra: a solo performance with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra – Triinu Piirsalu

• Special Prize for the concertmaster for an outstanding performance at the Estonian String Players Competition – Lea Leiten

Participants were judged by an international jury consisting of Paula Šūmane (violin, Latvia, chair), 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 with the Estonian Music Council, Musical Youth of Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Congratulations! Thank you to all participants, teachers, supporters and the audience!

The brochure of the Estonian String Players Competition can be downloaded HERE

4. December 19.00

Uku Toots, violin
Karoliina Kuppart, violin
Triinu Piirsalu, violin
Ali Amishov, viola

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Arvo Volmer

5. December 19.00

Maria Martin, cello
Brendan Aleksander Tarm, cello
Ekke Rainer Arndt, cello
Aleksander Traksmann, cello

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Arvo Volmer

II ROUND

29. november

11.00-11.40 Alexander González Pavlova
~11.40-12.20 Sofia Vinkel
~12.20-13.00 Mariia Sofiia Dyka

Break 1,5 h

14.30-15.10 Gerli Roost
~15.10-15.50 Anna Katarina Tralla
~15.50-16.30 Uku Toots

Break 30 min

17.00-17.40 Karoliina Kuppart
~17.40-18.20 Triinu Piirsalu

30. november

11.00-11.40 Kristin Klesment
~11.40-12.20 Ali Amishov
~12.20-13.00 Maria Martin

Break 1,5 h

14.30-15.10 Brendan Aleksander Tarm
~15.10-15.50 Ekke Rainer Arndt
~15.50-16.30 Aleksander Traksmann

Break 30 min

17.00-17.40 Hanna Ingrid Tominga
~17.40-18.20 Miina Roost

I ROUND

26. november 16.00 (violin)
16.00-16.25 Artti Rao Kudu
~16.25-16.50 Alexander González Pavlova
~16.50-17.15 Sofia Vinkel
Break 15 min
17.30-17.55 Mariia Sofiia Dyka
~17.55-18.20 Gerli Roost
~18.20-18.45 Anna Katarina Tralla

27. november 10.00 (violin, viola)
10.00-10.25 Uku Toots
~10.25-10.50 Karoliina Kuppart
~10.50-11.15 Iris Eva Aabloo
~11.15-11.40 Katariina Tammemägi
Break 20 min
12.00-12.25 Mia Kurvits
~12.25-12.50 Karina Rostovtseva
~12.50-13.15 Helina Sommer
~13.15-13.40 Nuria Diaz Fuentes
Break 1,5 h
15.15-15.40 Triinu Piirsalu
~15.40-16.05 Kristin Klesment
~16.05-16.30 Lisbeth Poom
~16.30-16.55 Ali Amishov

28. November 10.00 (cello, double bass)

10.00-10.25 Maria Martin
~10.25-10.50 Brendan Aleksander Tarm
~10.50-11.15 Evelin Uue
~11.15-11.40 Anton Hannes Karin
Vaheaeg 20 min
12.00-12.25 Ekke Rainer Arndt
~12.25-12.50 Deliisa Virunurm
~12.50-13.15 Paula-Riin Selis
~13.15-13.40 Emily Viktoria Dudkin
Vaheaeg 1,5 h
15.15-15.40 Jaagup Piirsalu
~15.40-16.05 Salome Stroganova
~16.05-16.30 Aleksander Traksmann
Vaheaeg 15 min
~16.45-17.10 Hanna Ingrid Tominga
~17.10-17.35 Miina Roost

All rounds take place in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Rounds I–II are free of charge for the public. Tickets for the Final Round are available via Piletikeskus.

I ROUND

26. Nov 2025 at 16.00
Live Stream is available HERE

27. Nov 2025 at 10.00
Live Stream is available HERE

28. Nov 2025 kell 10.00
Live Stream is available HERE

II ROUND

29. Nov 2025 at 11.00
Live Stream is available HERE

30. Nov 2025 at 11.00
Live Stream is available HERE

FINALS

4. Dec 2025 at 19.00
Live Stream is available HERE

5. Dec 2025 at 19.00
Live Stream is available HERE

General provisions
1.1. The pieces included in the competition programme may not be repeated across different rounds.
1.2. At least one work by an Estonian composer must be performed.
1.3. All works must be performed from memory, except for the duo sonatas that can be played from the score.
1.4. The deadline for submitting repertoire changes is October 22, 2025.

Round I
The programme consists of three pieces, with a total duration of 20–25 minutes:
One piece from the Baroque or early Classical period (individual movements from a larger work are allowed);
One virtuosic piece of the performer’s choice;
One freely chosen piece.

Round II
The performer may freely design a programme lasting 30–40 minutes, which best showcases their musical personality.

Round III (Final)
The final round is held in cooperation with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. Each participant will perform one instrumental concerto of their choice. The participant is responsible for ensuring the availability and accessibility of the orchestral material.

By registering for the competition, participants confirm that they have read and accepted the repertoire and competition rules, and agree to comply with them.

Time and Venue
The Estonian String Players Competition will take place from November 26 to December 5, 2025, in Tallinn. The first, second, and third rounds and the award ceremony will be held in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

Participants
Eligible to participate are:
Estonian citizens;
Individuals holding a residence permit in Estonia;
Foreign students residing and studying in Estonia in a degree programme;
Foreign students who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EMTA) within the last 3 years.

Age Requirement
Participants must be at least 16 years old at the time of the competition.

Specialties
The competition is held in four categories: violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

Rounds and Jury
The competition consists of three rounds. A maximum of 16 participants will advance to the second round, and 8 participants to the third round (final).
The competition will be judged by an international jury of 5 members.

The registration deadline is October 1, 2025. Registration is conducted electronically.

Prizes
The competition will award monetary prizes. The total prize fund is up to 15 000 euros. The prize amounts will be determined by the jury. The jury’s decision is final.
There will also be special prizes awarded by the competition’s partners.

Audience
All rounds are open to the public. Entrance to the hall during participant’s performance is not allowed.

Performance requirements
All competition pieces must be performed from memory, except for the duo sonatas that can be played from the score. Participants must perform with their own piano accompanist.

Jury’s right to interrupt
The jury has the right to stop a performance if it exceeds the time limit or does not meet the required standard.

Recording rights
The organizers have the right to record, produce, photograph, film, and broadcast the competition rounds and final concert via internet, radio, or television. The competition retains all copyright to the performances. The performances are not subject to remuneration.

Jury voting restrictions
A jury member who has taught a participant in the preceding two years before the competition date will not participate in the voting.

Practice facilities
All participants will be provided with practice facilities at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre during the competition.

Final round with orchestra
The third round (final) will be performed with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Orchestra rehearsal
Finalists will have one rehearsal with the orchestra before the final round.

Performance order
The performance order is determined by a drawing of lots. Participation in the draw is mandatory for all participants. The draw order remains valid until the end of the competition.

Illness
In case of illness confirmed by a doctor, the jury may allow a participant to perform at the end of the round, outside the designated order. In that case, the new order will apply for the remainder of the competition.

Participation fee
Registered participants must pay a participation fee of 50 euros no later than October 1, 2025 to the Estonian Music Council account:
IBAN: EE941010022000130003
Reference: Participant’s name.

The fee is non-refundable in case of withdrawal from the competition.

Acceptance of rules
By registering for the competition, participants confirm that they have read and accepted the repertoire and competition rules, and agree to comply with them.

Paula Šūmane (violin, Latvia), Chair
Jari Valo (violin, Finland)
Arigo Štrāls (viola, Latvia)
Fabio Presgrave (cello, Brazil)
Siret Lust (double bass, United Kingdom/Estonia)

E-mail: hanneleen.pihlak@eamt.ee
Phone: +372 58554044