The Estonian String Players Competition serves as a starting platform for young talented string players. This year marks five years since the last competition, and during this time, a new generation of string players has emerged, for whom this event offers a valuable opportunity to test their skills. The competition enriches the string players community with skillful musicians and opens the doors to concert stages, while also providing an overview of the level and current state of young string players in Estonia. The competition is organised by the Estonian Music Council, Jeunesses Musicales Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
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Repertoire
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.
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.
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Rules
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. 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. -
Contact
E-mail: hanneleen.pihlak@eamt.ee
Phone: 667 5779