From November 5 to 8, V Competition for Young Estonian Choral Conductors took place in Tallinn. The first prize wasn’t given out, the second prize winner was Darja Selivanova, Taavi Kull and Kaspar Mänd shared the third prize. The special prize of Estonian National Male Choir was given also to Darja Selivanova and Igor Nikiforov received Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir’s special prize.
V Competition for Young Estonian Choral Conductors was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and the 65th anniversary of Estonian National Male Choir. Nine young choral conductors participated in the competition and were ranked by five-member jury – Tõnu Kõrvits, Tiia-Ester Loitme, Erki Pehk, Mikk Üleoja and Māris Sirmais (Latvia).
Participants competed in three rounds and worked with Mixed Choir of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and professional choirs such as Estonian National Male Choir and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
Competitions for Young Estonian Choral Conductors has been held since 1985 and have played an important role in the life of many outstanding conductors today (Jüri Rent, Arvo Volmer, Hivo Surva, Olari Elts, Mihkel Kütson, Risto Joost et al). Choral competition was organized by the Estonian Choral Association, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Estonian National Male Choir and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
Agnes Toomla