28.04.2025
Recognising contemporary Estonian music has been a long-standing tradition for LHV. Since 2016, in collaboration with the Estonian Composers’ Union and as part of the Estonian Music Days, we have supported new musical creation. This year, the LHV New Composition Award Au-tasu 2025 was presented for the second time to composer Rasmus Puur for his symphony (2024), while the LHV Innovation Prize was awarded for the first time, going to Marianna Liiki for her work ‘Maaalune’ (Underground).
Kadri Kiisel, the Chairman of the Management Board at LHV Pank: ‘The LHV New Composition Award Au-tasu has become one of the most significant accolades in the landscape of Estonian contemporary music. We deeply value the opportunity to highlight composers whose work broadens listeners’ horizons and addresses socially relevant themes.’ ‘It is a great honour to support individuals who bring new life to culture through their compositions, resonating both locally and internationally,’ says Kiisel, adding that, for the first time this year, a financial LHV Innovation Prize was also awarded – a recognition granted to composer Marianna Liiki for her piece ‘Maaalune’ (Underground), which expands social and environmental awareness through music and offers fresh perspectives.
Rasmus Puur, who previously received the same award in 2021 for his violin concerto, explored new formal approaches in his latest symphony. The piece is not driven by a specific program or articulated concept; instead, it evolves independently, free from any external conceptual framework. The symphony premiered with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Olari Elts.
Marianna Liiki’s work ‘Maaalune’ (Underground) draws inspiration from the underground defence structures located in Tahkuna, Hiiumaa. Based on on-site audio recordings, the piece creates a unique spatial experience in which each sonic impulse is reflected as a mysterious sonic environment.
The LHV prize fund also supports a competition for young composers and helps to bring attention to the leading figures and rising stars of Estonian music.
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