News and Updates

Upcoming Concert: Lopez & Arevalos – Beyond Caravaggio In conjunction with the Strozzi exhibition, the Kadriorg Art Museum will host a special concert titled Bernardo Strozzi: Beyond Caravaggio on May 10, 2025. The performance features Camilla Lopez (voice) and Matteo Ramon Arevalos (prepared piano and composition), presenting a unique blend of music and visual art. The concert includes video projections

Jazzkaar Festival 2025 Opens with a Sold-Out Show Jazzkaar, Estonia’s biggest jazz festival, opened on April 19 with a packed house at Vaba Lava. The opening night featured Avishai Cohen Trio and a touching tribute to late Estonian saxophonist Raul Sööt. Over 70 concerts are scheduled throughout Tallinn and other cities, spotlighting international stars like Gretchen Parlato and local

Tallinn Music Week Wraps Up with International Praise The 2025 edition of Tallinn Music Week concluded on April 6, drawing praise from international media and audiences. Showcases by Erki Pärnoja, NOËP, Rita Ray, and Ukrainian art-pop artist alyona alyona stood out, while conference highlights included panels on sustainability in touring and AI’s impact on artist discovery. Cultural commentators

Tallinn Music Week 2025 Kicks Off with Record Attendance Tallinn Music Week 2025 (April 3–6) officially launched with a record-breaking number of attendees from over 30 countries. The festival, known for its diverse lineup and industry conference, features NOËP, Erki Pärnoja, Rita Ray, and Mart Avi, alongside international acts. The event’s Music & Impact conference is highlighting topics

Estonian National Opera Unveils 2025–26 Season Program The Estonian National Opera has announced its 2025–26 season, featuring a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Highlights include a new production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde and the Estonian premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence. Additionally, a world premiere of an opera by Estonian composer Ülo Krigul is set for early

Arvo Pärt’s “Spiegel im Spiegel” Featured in Major Hollywood Film Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s iconic piece Spiegel im Spiegel has been prominently featured in the upcoming Hollywood drama The Last Letter, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The film’s trailer, released this week, has sparked global interest, with critics praising its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. This marks another

Arvo Pärt Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award in Berlin Renowned Estonian composer Arvo Pärt has been awarded the Berlin Philharmonic Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to contemporary classical music. The award ceremony, held on March 10, featured a special performance of Pärt’s Fratres and Te Deum by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In his acceptance speech, Pärt emphasized the

Estonia Wins Big at the Music Moves Europe Awards Estonian artist Anett has won the Music Moves Europe Award 2025, marking a major achievement for the country’s independent music scene. The annual award, which recognizes emerging European artists with strong international potential, was presented at a ceremony in Brussels. Anett’s mix of soul, jazz, and electronic

Eurovision Controversy: Estonia’s Entry Sparks Debate Estonia’s Eurovision 2025 entry, Espresso Macchiato by Tommy Cash, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The track, which features satirical lyrics referencing Italian stereotypes, has drawn criticism from Italy’s Codacons consumer association, which is demanding the song’s removal from the competition. Meanwhile, Estonian fans have defended the artist’s unique style, with