The 10th Heino Eller Music Prize was ascribed to composer and docent of Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Mart Siimer for his recent years´ works, and to Alo Põldmäe, head of the Music Department of the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum, for outstanding longtime activity in keeping and introducing musical heritage of Heino Eller.
The Heino Eller Prize is awarded by the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum as a curator of composer´s heritage and owner of his copyright. This year the winners were selected by a jury of seven members: Peep Lassmann (Rector of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre), Olav Ehala (Chairman of the Estonian Composers’ Union), Toomas Siitan (Chairman of the Estonian Musicological Society), Kadri Leivategija (Director of the Heino Eller Tartu Music School), Marko Lõhmus (Adviser of Fine Arts of the Estonian Ministery of Culture), Alo Põldmäe (Head of the Music Department of the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum) and Ülle Reimets (Director of the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum).
In addition to the Heino Eller Music Prize, Estonian Theatre and Music Museum established in honour of Eller´s 120th anniversary Heino Eller Grand Prize, the first laureate is conductor Neeme Järvi. Grand Prize is ascribed to those who have special favours in front of Estonian music´s honour and good reputation. The prize, small sculpture by Jaak Pärn, will be given in every five years.