The award consists of €8,000, along with a trophy created by glass artist Mare Saare. Starting from 2025, the jury will also award a special prize, the “LHV Innovation Award,” in the amount of €2,000.
LHV New Composition Award
The LHV New Composition Award appreciates new Estonian music and composers bringing the spotlight on contemporary works that attract wider attention and deserve to be introduced to international audiences. The award sponsored by the Estonian Composers’ Union and LHV since 2016 rewards valuable and high-quality creative work by Estonian classical music composers.
Candidates can be nominated by groups, organizations, and individuals, regardless of the country of residence.
The winner of the award will be announced on April 17, 2026, at the Estonian National Symphony concert held as part of the Estonian Music Days Stories festival in the Estonia Concert Hall.
The Jury of the LHV New Composition Award Autasu 2026:
Helena Tulve – Artistic Director of Estonian Music Days, composer (Chair of the Jury)
Miina Pärn – Editor-in-Chief of Klassikaraadio, music journalist
Kärt Ruubel – Performer
Rasmus Puur – Composer
Ülo Krigul – Composer
Nomination
Nominations can be submitted
- regardless of length, genre, structure or composition
- regardless of the author’s country of residence
- the world premiere took place in 2025
- the year of completion is not documented earlier than 2025
- a full-length recording of the work is available (Klassikaraadio, Estonian National Broadcasting, any other media channel, performer, or composer).
The jury guarantees the copyright protection of the recording. The recording of the work is used only in the work of the jury and in the announcement of the LHV New Composition Award and is not shared with third parties or organizations.
The following information is required about the candidate:
- name of the author and the full title of the work
- information about the premiere: date, place, performers
- information on the existence and availability of the recording
- contact details of the candidate (name, e-mail address, telephone number)
- photo
Nominations will run until February 6, 2026. To nominate a candidate, the APPLICATION FORM must be completed.
Works by composers who have previously received the award may be resubmitted for the “LHV New Composition Award” after a 7-year moratorium has passed. The moratorium does not apply to the special prize.
In case a nominated work belongs to a member of the Jury, the composer either withdraws from the work of the jury or withdraws the piece from the nomination.
For any questions regarding work submissions, please contact info@helilooja.ee with the keyword “LHV Award 2026”.
Overview of 2025 world premieres
The former laureates:
Liisa Hirsch Ascending…Descending (2016)
Toivo Tulev Black Mirror (2017)
Erkki-Sven Tüür Solastalgia (2018)
Helena Tulve Tundmatuis vetes (2019)
Märt-Matis Lill Suidsusannasümfoonia (2020)
Rasmus Puur Violin Concerto (2021)
Jüri Reinvere Vom Sterben der Sterne (2022)
Ülo Krigul Synthesizer Concerto (2023)
Madli Marje Gildemann Nocturnal Migrants (2024)
Rasmus Puur Symphony (2025); Marianna Liik Underground (LHV Innovation Award)
The award is issued by LHV. Competition partners are the Estonian Composers’ Union, Estonian Public Broadcasting with Klassikaraadio, and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.