From October 20 to 27, the Fifth International Piano Festival „Klaver” (“Piano”) takes place in Tallinn. Beside the classical repertoire, two new piano works are included in the festival programme this year. On October 26, Estonian pianist Marko Martin plays the “Pictures of Thule” by Tõnu Kõrvits in Estonia Concert Hall. At the finale concert on October 27, the “Sloath” by Jüri Reinvere, a new work for four pianos and mixed choir, will be premiered by Estonian pianists Taavi Kerikmäe, Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann, Sten Lassmann and Kai Ratassepp, and mixed choir „Latvija” at the same place.
Organized by the State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert, festival “Klaver” is one of the most representative events of classical music in Estonia. Aside from the best Estonian pianists noted guest soloists are presented there. This year such renowned pianists as Leslie Howard (England), Sigurd Slåttebrekk (Norway), Dmitri Alekseyev (Russia), Dejan Lazic (Croatia/Austria), Melvyn Tan (Singapore/England) and piano duo Anthony and Joseph Paratore (USA/Italy) belong to the list of performers. Among others Kalle Randalu, Marko Martin, Kadri-Ann Sumera and Hando Nahkur represent Estonian piano school. Estonian State Symphony Orchestra and NYYD Ensemble conducted by Olari Elts and Nikolai Alekseev also perform at the festival concerts.
Co-organizers of the festival „Klaver” 2006 are the Estonian Ministry of Culture, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Estonia, NYYD Ensemble, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, National Library of Estonia and Estonian Music and Theatre Museum.