Category: Uncategorized
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is glad to announce that on 5, 6 and 7 April LoLa Days with Norwegian Academy of Music will take place.
During these days we will have EAMT Lecturer Maksim Štšura giving chamber music lessons to three students’ ensemble in Oslo and Prof. Christopher Park from Norwegian Academy of Music giving piano lessons to 3 EAMT piano students. The Digital Mobility activities will take place in Room D209.
LoLa is a low latency, high quality audio/video transmission system for network musical performances and the EAMT is one of the leading institutions using it, having acquired years of experience in the field of digital mobility. The digital mobility activities are coordinated by the “EAMT working group for development of digital mobility” (Paolo Girol, Innar Jarva and Nikita Shishkov).
By the decision of the Government of the Republic, the national mask wearing obligation will not apply from Sunday, 3 April, as the risk level of the spread of coronavirus fell to the average or yellow level in all indicators.
The obligation to wear a mask in the Academy will also be abolished. However, the recommendation to wear a mask in crowded places, including lectures and events, remains valid.
Please pay attention to hand disinfection and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. It is strictly prohibited to come to the academy in the event of even the slightest suspicion of being infected with the virus.
The door of the main building of the EAMT is still locked, but it is not necessary to apply for a special permit for guests outside the house – it is enough if the inviter meets the guests in person.
EAMT Rector’s Office
On 30 March 180 years ago, the 19th-century king of piano Franz Liszt performed in the assembly hall of the University of Tartu. This noteworthy event will be commemorated on 30 March at 18:00 with a piano gala at the same concert venue. Some of the most beautiful and virtuosic pieces of Liszt’s piano works will played in the assembly hall of the University of Tartu by internationally acclaimed pianists Ivari Ilja, Kristi Kapten, Sten Lassmann, Marko Martin, Mati Mikalai, Johan Randvere and Mantas Šernius.
Franz Liszt’s work and activities as a pianist significantly expanded the boundaries of pianism. It could be said that his work gave birth to the profession of a concert pianist as it is understood today. Liszt’s works are part of the repertoire of pianists of all ages, and the techniques and innovations he introduced are the basis of virtuoso piano playing. To this day, pianists are inspired by legends of Liszt’s performances, which were highly captivating and so spectactular that they even caused fainting among the audience.
The idea to celebrate Liszt’s concert in Tartu was born out of an extraordinary find. Namely, the poster of Franz Liszt’s concert in Tartu with the programme performed by Liszt was found in the cultural-historical collection of the Academic Library of Tallinn University. The original poster will also be displayed in the university assembly hall. One of the works to be played at the piano gala will be Liszt’s transcription of Schubert’s “Serenade”, which was performed at the concert 180 years ago.
According to Professor Ivari Ilja, pianist and Rector of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, it is extraordinary to think that such a great musician as Liszt visited Tartu and performed in the university assembly hall. “180 years will pass from that event on 30 March, but everywhere in the world people are still fascinated by his immortal music. Our gala concert is a tribute to the genius of Liszt, to Tartu and to the university,” Ilja said.
A brief overview of Liszt and his concerts in Estonia are given at the beginning of the gala by musicologist Kristel Pappel of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and art historian Harry Liivrand. Simultaneous interpretation into English is provided at the gala.
The concert is free of charge. However, donations are welcome to the Estonian Red Cross to support Ukraine.
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is shocked by the events that are currently taking place in Ukraine in connection with the Russian aggression.
On March 23, the Senate of the EAMT adopted a decision that citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus who do not have a residence permit or international protection in any of the Member States of the European Union cannot apply to study at the university during the academic year 2022/2023. Students already studying in Estonia are not affected by the decision.
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre will make every effort to contribute to assisting students from Ukraine in accordance with the guidelines of the Republic of Estonia and the European Union on admitting Ukrainian refugees and offering them social guarantees and study opportunities. The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre cooperates with the Ministry of Education and Research and other Estonian universities in this regard. In connection with this, the Academy has amended the provisions of applying for, awarding and paying scholarships and study grants. The Academy offers support and psychological counseling to Ukrainian students already studying at EAMT.
A charity concert with works by Estonian and Ukrainian authors was held at the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in support of Ukraine on March 6. The ticket revenue was donated by the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Foundation with the help of the Estonian Red Cross.
On March 19, an annual Department of Classical Music Performance piano competition was held in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. This time it was dedicated to the outstanding Estonian pianist and professor Valdur Roots, a long-time lecturer at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Members of the competition jury, senior lecturer Marko Martin and senior lecturer Mati Mikalai, awarded two second prizes (400 euros). They were awarded to Karolin Sigus (from piano class of senior lecturer Kai Ratassepp and lecturer Mihkel Poll) and Tamara Bláhová (from piano class of lecturer Mihkel Poll).
Congratulations!
Dear Members of the Academy,
Due to the decrease in the number of patients with severe COVID entering the hospital, the Government of the Republic of Estonia abolished the obligation to check the COVID certificate and the closure restriction at 11 pm as of 15 March. Travel isolation rules will apply, and travel restrictions must be considered when traveling.
As the coronavirus is still widespread in Estonia, the obligation to wear a mask in public places applies. The obligation to wear a mask also remains in the study buildings of the EAMT. Please also pay attention to hand disinfection and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. It is strictly prohibited to come to the academy in the event of even the slightest suspicion of being infected with the virus.
The door of the main building of the EAMT is still locked, but it is no longer necessary to apply for a special permit for guests outside the house – it is enough if the inviter meets the guests in person.
EAMT Rector’s Office
Sleep week at the Estonian Universities is a collaborative initiative by the psychologists working at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Tartu University, Estonian Business School, TTK University of Applied Sciences and the mental health website Peaasi.ee (Head Matters). The main objective of the week is to promote sleep hygiene tips amongst the students and adults.
Why sleep during the stressful times?
A link has been found between sleep and stress that seems a vicious circle: good sleep helps to reduce stress, but especially in high-stress situations the sleep is disturbed, which in turn affects the well-being the next day. Anxiety and worry contribute to the quality of sleep. Additional anxiety may arise about the sleep itself.
So, paying attention to sleep hygiene is essential in these hectic times. Five tips can help you to improve your sleep this week:
Start each day with a positive attitude. Even if the sleep has been shallow, it is possible to start the day with good thoughts and routines. Negative thought patterns can occur automatically. Instead, try to reassure yourself, “Even though I slept a little, the day will be great nevertheless.” Or create a new habit, such as staying outdoors before getting to work and noticing the signs of spring.
Plan intentional breaks for the day. Energy level is not the same throughout the day. For low-energy moments it is worth creating opportunities for physical activity, even a few minutes of exercise or deep breathing exercises. Notice how it supports and refreshes you.
Create a habit that marks the end of the workday. Make a clear gesture that tells you, “The workday is over, it’s time to go and do other things.” It could be closing your work e-mails, taking a walk, etc.
Support your daily rhythm. The body likes a regular rhythm of the day, research says. Although the pace of life is often unpredictable and with busy schedules in many areas, it is worth trying to go to bed every day at 11 pm. Notice if it changes your daily rhythms?
Create more peaceful routines for your sleep. Both during the pandemic and war situations, studies show that in high stress, sleep is affected, accompanied by turbulent dreams. Assure yourself that this is a normal for these times, yet you can tune in to a good night’s sleep. You can try to avoid reading the news a hour before bedtime, it’s better to talk or think about positive things or read something interesting. Positive imagery exercises before going to bed could be used to promote pleasant dreams. It is worth writing down your thoughts in a notebook so that your mind is bright and ready to get refreshed during the sleep.
How to celebrate the sleep week?
Campaign was launched to find sleep songs and 12 authors shared 15 songs, which will be played in the evenings at 11 pm via Instagram Live (look for peaasi.ee). Many thanks to all the authors!
Test your sleep habits here (in Estonian).
On Instagram, emta_psychologist shares daily recommendations and research results to motivate you to make small changes in your sleep habits.
Read more here.
Contact: Elina Kivinukk, EAMT psychologist, elina.kivinukk@eamt.ee
The recommendations are based on materials from Healthier Sleep Magazine and Sleep On It Canada.
This Saturday, March 12 at 14:00, in EAMT Suur Saal Revelia String Ensemble will premiere seven compositions by seven composers who are EAMT students or alumni.
This is a project that brings together the efforts of several EAMT departments and specialties. The composition department, the performance department, and the cultural management department are one of the departments involved in this project. With this initiative, we will be able to show how many excellent professionals have grown up and keep on growing within the academy’s walls.
The interview with the composer and conductor Eladio Aguilar is below.
Tell us about your musical background.
I’m from Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, La Gomera. It’s a little island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As a response, getting started in the musical industry might be challenging. But I began in my village’s children’s choir and then continued with the trumpet in my village’s music wind orchestra. As a result, I made the decision to pursue music professionally. So I came to Tenerife to pursue a career as a trumpet player, and after several years of working on projects, performing concerts, and even working in restaurants, I chose to relocate myself to Estonia to pursue a degree in composition and orchestra conducting.
How did the idea for a string orchestra concert at EMTA hall come to you?
This idea came to me after I arranged a concert in Tenerife and La Gomera, in the Canary Islands last year. There, I formed a string group (orchestra). Otto Ivari, a friend of mine, was one of the composers. I requested him to play some of his music for me. As a result, I performed at the concerts. When I returned to talk with Otto and Malle Maltis, the professor of visual composition at EMTA, we came up with the concept of doing something similar at EMTA. So, we began by the idea of simply playing music, and then we simply came up with the concept of presenting new music.
What is the main idea behind this event?
Well, the basic premise has altered because it was originally simply an idea to get together with some friends and make some music. However, it has evolved into a serious and essential project since we are now allowing student composers to present their work, which I believe is significant because this is a project that is not coordinated by the university. It is run entirely by and for students. Of course, we have the institution’s cooperation; otherwise, it would not be possible. However, the core notion, or basic idea, is to demonstrate that students are professionals who can provide an excellent and interesting high-level musical production.
Who are the players?
This would not be feasible without the participation of players, composers, and management students. Basically, the composition department supports all of the composers, and the performance department prepares and assists the players in playing this music, as well as supporting them to participate in such a project, and the event and cultural management department supports us with all of the management that is required in this type of project.
What should the audience expect from the RSE showcase?
First and foremost, live music is always superior to simply putting on headphones and listening to the feeling of being in a concert hall or even a venue other than a concert hall, such as Play Square.
People should expect to hear incredible new music that has never been performed before, and who knows, maybe one of those pieces or one of these composers may become famous in the future, and people will be able to say, “I was there at the premiere concert.”
Basically, I hope that people will have a great time listening to new music in a live performance, not through headphones, and that they will not only listen to the music but also look at the musicians and share all of the feelings that are there during the concert.
What are your musical ambitions for the future?
My ambitions as a musician are to continue my education. And learning and gaining enough expertise to offer high-level music projects, music events, and music concerts is one of my life goals. In addition, I would like to devote my professional life to conducting and composing. So, as a conductor and composer, I’d love to be able to make enough money to support myself and my family. And this may be a fantastic project in my life, and I’m taking the first step toward achieving my aim.
The duration of the repertoire is 1 hour to 1:15 hours.
The event is supported by Stanford Music, AS Prike, Taali Mesila OÜ,Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, AS Bambona.
More information about the event here.
Author: Tanya Korenik, EAMT student
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is shocked by the events that are currently taking place in Ukraine in connection with the Russian aggression. In this regard, we have provided support and psychological counseling to Ukrainian students studying at the Academy.
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is ready to offer opportunities to continue studies to Ukrainians who have arrived in Estonia as refugees and for whom it has become impossible to continue their studies at home. Our initial ability would be to offer study opportunities in English language curricula or, in the case of in-depth study of the Estonian language, in Estonian language curricula.
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre will make every effort to contribute to assisting students from Ukraine in accordance with the guidelines of the Republic of Estonia and the European Union on admitting Ukrainian refugees and offering them social guarantees and study opportunities. The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre cooperates with the Ministry of Education and Research and other Estonian universities in this regard.
Studying at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre: We are ready to review the previous study experience of the Ukrainian citizens who have started their studies in Ukraine and to assess their compliance with our curricula so that they can continue their studies here. Matriculation would exceptionally take place on the basis of VÕTA (RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING).
Study Programmes: The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre offers the opportunity to study in the following English language curricula: Classical Music Performance, Jazz Music, Composition and Music Technology. More information: Departments and majors
What you need for admission: Please try to bring all your study documents with you to Estonia (including an extract from your current studies, if possible)
Learn more here.
Additional information for citizens of Ukraine:
Tiina Uibo
International Students Advisor
tiina.uibo@eamt.ee
+372 6675 722
Psychological assistance is provided by EAMT psychologist Elina Kivinukk: elina.kivinukk@eamt.ee
Additional information on the security situation and opportunities to assist Ukraine: kriis.ee/en
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is expressing support for Ukraine by organizing a charity concert on Sunday, 6 March at 12:00 in the Great Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
The Rector of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre professor Ivari Ilja will welcome Liina Kersna, Minister of Education and Research of Estonia and Kristin Pintson, student of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and Vice Chairperson of the Federation of Estonian Student Unions as guest speakers.
Works by Ukrainian and Estonian authors will be performed by the EAMT Choir and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by professor Hirvo Surva and students Ode Pürg and Valle-Rasmus Roots, Oksana Lohinova (piano), Georg Maaten (violin), Elena Bražnik (soprano, Estonian National Opera), Erki Pärnoja (electric guitar), poetess Katya Novak-Botnar, actors of the Russian Theater Aleksandr Zhilenko, Dmitry Kosjakov, Anna Sergeyeva-Marvina, Viktor Marvin, Natalia Murina, Anastassia Tsubina-Alexeyeva, Ivan Alexeyev, EAMT drama faculty professor Lembit Peterson, Indrek Sammul, Külli Teetamm, and students of the 30th class of the drama department. The concert will be directed by Marta Aliide Jakovski, a student of the department of drama.
“With our concert, we want to support Ukraine and the Ukrainians who are fighting for their freedom and a dignified future for the whole of Europe at the cost of extreme suffering and trials. Today, it is the duty of every person with a conscience to help and support them,” says Ivari Ilja, Rector of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
The Foundation of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theater will donate the ticket revenue to support the people of Ukraine with the help of the Estonian Red Cross. It will also be possible to donate money to the Estonian Refugee Council to help Ukrainian refugees via donation telephones and on-site.
Tickets are available through the Fienta booking system and one hour before the start on site.
The charity concert can also be watched live on the ERR cultural portal and the EAMT YouTube channel. Those who are not able to attend the concert, but want to support Ukraine, can buy a donation ticket in Fienta here (the ticket does not guarantee admission to the concert hall). Watching the broadcast is free for everyone.