Helping “Klassikatähed” (Classical Stars) return to the screen

This year Eesti Televisioon marks its 70th anniversary, and along with Klassikaraadio and Eesti Kontsert agency it will bring a classical music competition program back on air after a five-year hiatus. Merko is honoured to support the return of this unique format in cooperation with the Kultuuripartnerluse Sihtasutus (Cultural Partnership Foundation).

Investing into Estonia’s future is very important for Merko. For years, we have lent a hand to training the rising generation of civil engineers and builders. We have also supported a number of projects in the cultural sphere. Combining the two focuses, we are now creating opportunities for future names in music.

Stars of the construction scene are born by whetting young people’s appetite for engineering education, introducing university students to life in the construction business and extending internship and job offers at Merko companies. That lets them put down roots in the specialty and gives them confidence for big deeds. The same is true in music. As Estonians, we are always glad to see Estonian composers, conductors and performers in the international arena. Their work has laid a strong foundation that lets ambitious musicians build their story.

Klassikatähed, first debuted in 2013, is made possible in partnership between ETV, Klassikaraadio and Eesti Kontsert. Member of the board of Eesti Kontsert Kertu Orro says it is an extraordinary opportunity for young musicians to get on stage and in front of the cameras and show off their talent to all of Estonia. “For us, it’s important that every participant’s experience not be limited to just a competition or TV programme but also to broaden young people’s creative thinking and bolstering their self-confidence for their future career in music. This series bonds audiences, TV viewers and concert halls with new generation talents in a way that paves a new forum for music and confirms that classics are a living artistic discipline,” said Orro.

The head of Estonian Public Broadcasting’s live broadcasting Karmel Killandi said the programme is returning to the ETV screen through the efforts of many parties. “In the same year that Arvo Pärt turns 90, it is grand to see that we have talented new blood as well. Namely, classical music stars of previous years have brought much acclaim for Estonia through their association with world-famous orchestras and conservatories, and there’s a public awareness taking shape that contributing to getting young talent noticed and musical education is an investment into the country’s future. ‘Klassikatähed’ has a very important role here, since we increase the name recognition of young musicians through television, teach them to talk about their strengths and give them an irreplaceable experience for shining in the spotlight, something they really need if they are to succeed out in the world. We’re very glad it’s been noticed,” said Killandi.

Kultuuripartnerluse Sihtasutus and its sponsor Merko have contributed to making it possible. Merko director Ivo Volkov says the company values the exertions that talented youth and their supporters in homes and schools make every day to develop culture.

“As Estonians, we’re always pleased to see our composers, conductors and performers shine on international stages. Their dedication and success has laid a strong foundation for new young ambitious musicians to build their story. ‘Klassikatähed’ is a high-quality production that offers youth a chance to shine and take flight. The experience they get from the programme makes artists beloved household names at home and also gives them a springboard toward international renown, and that has a positive effect on all of Estonia’s culture,” he said.

The new season of ‘Klassikatähed’ starts on 28 September on ETV. Klassikaraadio will also air the competition. The new season will have four rounds on TV and a final round hosted by Estonia Concert Hall. For the first time, no contestant will be eliminated during the season and all competitors who make it to the TV competition will be able to strut their stuff in the final, backed by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

This year, a record number of young musicians, 31, vied for the competition. Eighteen of them got the call from a preliminary jury to perform at the Estonia, where six young musicians made the rigorous cut to be featured in the programme. ‘Klassikatähed 2025’ will feature guitarist Harald Trass Kölni from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, clarinetist Isabella Runge from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, flautist Tuule-Helin Krigul of the Sibelius Academy, soprano Annabel Soode from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. The youngest contestants are from the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet – percussionist Karl Martin Tombak and pianist Havryil Sydoryk, who has Ukrainian roots.