Paavo Järvi has announced the launch of a new platform for emerging soloists at the Pärnu Music Festival, reinforcing the Estonian conductor’s long-standing commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians. The initiative, titled Young Talents, will debut on 14 July as part of the festival’s 2026 edition.
For the inaugural concert, the Estonian Festival Orchestra will accompany three young soloists selected by Järvi: violinist Paloma So in the Sibelius Violin Concerto, harpist Anaëlle Tourret in Handel’s Harp Concerto, and pianist Tähe-Lee Liiv in Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
“The Pärnu Music Festival has always been about more than just concerts; it’s about passing the torch,” Järvi said in a statement. “By creating this platform, we are giving these incredible soloists the space to collaborate with the Estonian Festival Orchestra, helping them bridge the gap between being a ‘young talent’ and a professional international artist.”
The three invited artists represent different stages of rapidly developing international careers. Canadian-Chinese violinist Paloma So first gained attention as a prizewinner at the Wieniawski Competition and is currently studying at both Harvard University and the New England Conservatory. French harpist Anaëlle Tourret became Principal Harpist of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra at the age of 25 and released her debut album Perspectives in 2023. Estonian pianist Tähe-Lee Liiv rose to prominence after winning the Estonian television competition Klassikatähed in 2020 and later joined András Schiff’s “Building Bridges” project.
The 2026 festival will also continue its focus on contemporary Estonian music, including several world premieres. Among them are Piove by Liisa Hõbepappel and Flood by Evelin Seppar, both commissioned for the festival and performed by Järvi and the Estonian Festival Orchestra. The programme will additionally feature the premiere of Secret Garden, a viola concerto by Tõnu Kõrvits performed by Amihai Grosz, and At the Edge of the Bottomless Sea, a double flute concerto by Märt-Matis Lill.
Founded in 2011 by the Järvi family, the Pärnu Music Festival has developed into one of the leading summer orchestral festivals in Europe, combining concerts with the educational activities of the Järvi Academy. The 2026 edition will run from 8 to 18 July in the Estonian seaside city of Pärnu.
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