Klaver festival brings leading pianists and a piano rave to Estonia

Estonia’s Klaver piano festival will bring internationally acclaimed pianists to Tallinn from October 13 to 17, alongside concerts and events for young musicians, ERR reported. The festival’s 15th edition is themed “The piano’s vitality” and will be led for the first time by pianist Sten Heinoja as artistic director.

Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko will perform a solo programme and appear with the Estonian Festival Orchestra. At the Estonia Concert Hall, he will play Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15, conducted by Paavo Järvi.

Kholodenko’s solo recital at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s main hall will feature concert études by Ferenc Liszt and Liszt’s transcription of Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.” Kholodenko won the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2013.

The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will also perform, with British pianist Martin James Bartlett as soloist in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5. Australian conductor Jessica Cottis will lead the concert. It will be the first time both Bartlett and Cottis perform with the orchestra.

A gala concert featuring 11 young Estonian pianists will present all 12 of Liszt’s Transcendental Études. The performance is dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Liszt’s death.

Heinoja and pianist Johan Randvere will lead a piano day for young pianists at Fotografiska, bringing together students of different ages from across Estonia. The festival will close on October 17 with a piano rave in the foyer of the Estonia Concert Hall, with Heinoja performing as a DJ.

Klaver has been held every other year since 1998. This year’s programme focuses on the piano in concert halls, public spaces and the work of young musicians.