News
Best instrument players chosen
13.07.2009
The best young instrument players in six instrument groups were selected at the cross-national contest for instrument players on Friday, May 15 at the Estonian Traditional Music Center. The first prize - a stipend and an opportunity to perform at XVII Viljandi Folk Music Festival was given to Ann Maria Piho (in the picture) from Haanjamaa for her masterful zither playing and confident performance.
All in all, 36 youngsters took part in the cross-national contest for instrument players organised by Estonian Traditional Music Center. The jury consisted of Celia Roose, Neeme Punder, Veljo Tormis, Jalmar Vabarna, and Jaanus Põder from Estonia and Christina Frohm from Sweden.
The best folk instrument players are: Elise Roodla (zither), Ann Maria Piho (zither), Allar Kiristaja (bellows), Evelin Ämarik (bellows), Hellika Kallaste (block flute), Lauri Kadalipp (bagpipe), Gloria Kadarpik (violin), Kevin Podnieks (open class - guitar), Paul Neitsov (open class - guitar).
During the contest, the participants had to play two folk songs - one of their own choice and the other had to be somehow connected to the player's home county or neighbouring area. According to the jury, the playing style of the contestants resembled their teachers in many respects but for the jury, even more important than choosing the best players was experiencing the special atmosphere of the contest.
"Due to the fact that traditional music curriculums in music schools are still in their infantry and the tradition of playing folk instruments is only becoming to life again, the youngsters need, first and foremost, a place where to share their experiences and collect their repertoires," described Sofia Joons, head of August Pulst School and one of the organisers of the contest.