News
Contest for musical instrument players
16.04.2009
Registration for the national contest for musical instrument players held in the Traditional Music Center in Viljandi on May 15 is now opened. The aim of the contest is to rediscover and value the tradition of playing Estonian traditional music and to provide an opportunity for young musicians to express themselves and put their skills to test.
Every youngster who is at least 7 years old and who studies traditional music is welcome to participate. The long-term aim of Estonian Traditional Music Center is to organise a joint contest for all age groups and all different Estonian traditional instruments.
"Until now, contests have been held for certain instrument groups but we do not have the tradition of organising contests for different instruments and age groups together," said Ando Kiviberg, the head of Estonian Traditional Music Center. "Our long-term aim is to organise such large playing contests on the example of Northern countries and Ireland. This year, however, we will concentrate on youngsters to give both the students and their teachers an opportunity to compare themselves with others and collect and share their repertoires."
The contest will be carried out in two age groups: younger players and older players. Participants are expected to play two different kinds of pieces of Estonian traditional music of their own choice, one of which has to originate from the players home county or neighbouring area.
The instruments will be divided into seven groups: zither, bellows, violin, bagpipe, talharpa, traditional wind instruments and the open class (all other instruments, for example guitar, accordion, flute, saxophone, etc.)
During the contest, the jury evaluates the players knowledge of the tradition and his/her individual mastery. The jury consists of: Celia Roose, Neeme Punder, Veljo Tormis, Jalmar Vabarna and Jaanus Punder from Estonia and Christina Frohm from Sweden. The best players of every instrument group will be rewarded and the best of the best will have the chance to perform at XVII Viljandi Folk Music Festival.
For more information and registration (before April, 20!) please contact anu.rannu@folk.ee. Participation is free of charge.