During last weeks two important high level international competitions with long traditions took place.

7–14 October VIII Jāzeps Vītols International Piano Competition took place in Latvia. From video selection 32 participants from 13 countries were chosen to participate in the competition. EAMT Doctorate student Mantas Šernius (piano class of Prof Ivari Ilja) was awarded a finalist diploma, Bachelor student Tiit Tomp (piano class of Senior Lecturer Mihkel Poll) was among semi-finalists.

13–24 September X M.K. Čiurlionis International Piano and Organ Competition took place in Lithuania. From video selection 34 pianists and 23 organists from 22 countries were chosen to participate in the competition. Among pianists Master student Fortunato Salvador García Piquer (piano class of Prof Ivari Ilja and Senior Lecturer Mihkel Poll) passed to semi-finalis. Among organists a recent EAMT graduate Marten Meibaum (organ class of Prof Andres Uibo), who is active as a cellist, singer and organist passed to semi-finals.