Estonian music awards recognise artists and contributors

Estonia’s Cultural Endowment Sound Arts Endowment and the Estonian Music Council presented awards to musicians and other figures in the field on International Music Day, ERR reported.

The awards ceremony took place at the grand hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. ETV is due to broadcast the event on October 1.

The Sound Arts Endowment gave 10 annual awards for achievements during the 2025–26 season and four recognition awards for contributions to music. Its annual awards tradition dates back to 1995.

Annual awards

Vambola Krigul was recognised for his diverse, artistically accomplished concert work and commitment to performing Estonian contemporary music.

Risto Joost was honoured for his wide-ranging work as a conductor and artistic leader, and for his interpretation of Richard Wagner’s music drama “Das Rheingold” at the Saaremaa Opera Days.

Peeter Sarapuu received an award for his work as a soloist, ensemble musician, orchestral musician and teacher.

Mingo Rajandi was recognised for an exceptionally strong creative year and for continuing to expand the boundaries of Estonian jazz and contemporary music. Her work included the international co-production “Lady Sapiens” and several concerts devoted to her compositions.

Meelis Orgse was honoured for his varied international work with baroque music ensembles and orchestras.

Maria Listra received an award for her professionalism, dedication and outstanding season in Estonia and on international stages, including performances marking the 90th anniversary of Arvo Pärt’s birth. She was also recognised for her work interpreting Estonian music and vocal repertoire from different periods.

Maria Faust was recognised for her substantial contribution to music and an influential creative year internationally.

String quartet M4GNET, comprising Katariina Maria Kits-Reimal, Mart Kuusma, Robert Traksmann and Siluan Hirvoja, was honoured for sustaining and developing chamber music and for its concert work during the season.

Evelin Seppar received an award for an outstanding creative year, marked by the premieres of two significant works for symphony orchestra and high-level collaborations with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and the Estonian Festival Orchestra.

Age Veeroos was recognised for distinctive, innovative compositions that speak to international audiences and for her contribution to composition teaching.

Recognition awards

Marje Lohuaru was honoured for her exceptional contribution to Estonian music as a pianist, chamber musician and active organiser of musical life. She initiated the Estonian Instrument Fund and serves on its board, and chairs the European Chamber Music Teachers’ Association. Her decades of work as a performer and teacher at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre have helped shape generations of musicians and develop chamber music in Estonia.

Gülnar Murumägi was recognised for developing the Haapsalu Cultural Centre into a distinctive meeting place for cultural professionals and audiences in Estonia.

Esper Linnamägi was honoured for her long-standing work with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and her successful leadership of its 40th anniversary season.

Ave Sophia Maria Demelemester received an award for her significant role in the internationalisation of Estonia’s music sector and her work with the organisation Music Estonia.

The Estonian Music Council, whose awards recognise contributions over a person’s career, presented its interpretation award to Anu Tali. Lydia Rahula received its award for important and outstanding work in musical life. The council’s awards tradition dates back to 2002.