Tallinn will host the world‑renowned XIVth Harpsichord Festival from 8–12 April 2026. Celebrating three decades since the first festival in 1996, the program will unfold across the historic Niguliste Museum and the opulent Kadriorg Palace, offering an immersive experience for both early‑music aficionados and contemporary music lovers.
The festival’s lineup features an impressive roster of international virtuosos: France’s Aline Zylberajch, the Japanese‑Norwegian duo Yuko Inoue & Ketil Haugsand, Poland’s Gośka Isphording, and Spain’s Darío Cervera Jordà. Estonian talent shines through with soloists Ene Nael, Julia Ageyeva Hess, Saale Fischer, Kristiina Are (LaBande ensemble), and Reinut Tepp(with flutist Reet Sukk). A highlight of the festival is the premiere of Liina Sumera’s new work, performed by Nael in the final gala concert.
Beyond the headline acts, the festival maintains its tradition of nurturing the next generation of harpsichordists. Young musicians from Estonian music schools, from primary‑grade students to university graduates, will share the stage in a concert dedicated to emerging talent. This intergenerational element underscores the harpsichord’s enduring pedagogical legacy and the festival’s commitment to sustaining the instrument’s future.
Organised by the Estonian Harpsichord Lovers’ Guild under artistic direction of Imbi Tarum and production by Piibe Maria Talen, the event remains a unique fixture in the Baltic and European early‑music calendar. While many festivals celebrate early music, few focus exclusively on the harpsichord, making this celebration of the instrument’s rich history and evolving repertoire all the more significant.
Tickets and festival passes will soon be available on Harpsichord festival’s website. Keep an eye on official channels for updates and join us for a week of exquisite performances that honor the harpsichord’s past while propelling it into the future.
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