ERR streams Tiit Ojasoo-directed Music Day gala

A gala directed by Tiit Ojasoo took place in Tallinn on October 1, when this year’s music awards were also announced. ERR reports that the full evening, titled “Resistance,” is available to watch on its culture portal.

The gala at the main hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre featured works by Estonian composers. Instead of giving speeches, each award winner wrote down their thoughts and wishes to music.

Toomas Vavilov was the gala’s artistic director, and Kairi Mändla was its designer. Performers included the Põhijõud orchestra and soloists Vaiko Eplik, Maria Listra, Age Juurikas, Rein Rannap and Havryil Sydoryk. The percussion ensemble comprised Heigo Rosin, Vambola Krigul, Lauri Metsvahi and Brita Reinmann.

The Cultural Endowment’s Endowment for Arts awarded 10 annual prizes and four recognition prizes for contributions to music during the 2025–2026 season. The tradition dates back to 1995.

The Estonian Music Council presented awards for contributions to music over the course of the recipients’ careers. This year’s awards included a prize for interpretation and one for significant and outstanding work in music life. The council’s award tradition began in 2002.