
estonia · Guest ArtistPriit Aimla graduated from Tallinn State Conservatory in 1989 (the trumpet class of A. Ots) and has participated in master classes of H. Erb (Germany), P-O. Lindeke (France), J. Harjanne (Finland), and others. He has also studied conducting with E. Kiviloo, O. Oja, and J. Alperten. He conducted several children's productions at the Estonian National Opera. In 1981–1985 he played in the Estonian Radio Orchestra. He is the Associate Principal of the Estonian National Opera trumpet section since 1985 and the Principal since 1994.
Highlights
•Associate Principal of Estonian National Opera trumpet section (1985)
•Principal of Estonian National Opera trumpet section (since 1994)
•Jury member for Trumpet Talents Tallinn 2025
Collaborations
NYYD Ensemble, Nordic Symphony Orchestra, Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian-Finnish Baroque Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra

estonia · Guest ArtistSiim Aimla is a charming saxophone player and an indisputable leading figure in Estonian jazz. Born in 1974, he has studied at Metropolia University in Helsinki (1999-2004) at the Pop/Jazz Conservatory. He is an accomplished arranger, conductor, and teacher who has gathered companion musicians to impress the Nordic audience. He leads the Siim Aimla Funk Band, a contemporary funk ensemble known for blending modern big band aesthetics with multi-layered fusion harmonies and rhythmic innovation.
Highlights
•Leading figure in Estonian jazz scene
•Founder and leader of Siim Aimla Funk Band
•Accomplished arranger and conductor
Collaborations
Siim Aimla Funk Band, Estonian Dream Big Band, Nordic jazz ensembles

estonia · young ArtistEerik Bahovcki is an Estonian trumpet musician based in Tallinn. He is an active performer at international trumpet festivals and events, recognized for his interpretation of contemporary and classical works, including Estonian composer Veljo Tormis' music.
Highlights
•Active performer at International Trumpet Days
•Winner of the Aavo Ots Prize 2025
•Participant in Trumpet Talents Tallinn competitions
•Interpreter of Estonian contemporary music

spain · Guest ArtistJose Chafer Mompo was born in l'Olleria. He began his studies at the Musical Society of his town and continued at the Conservatorio Profesional of Onteniente. He is a distinguished trumpet professor and performer recognized for his contributions to classical and contemporary trumpet repertoire.
Highlights
•Professional trumpet educator
•Yamaha Artist
•Warburton Artist
Collaborations
Various Spanish orchestras and international ensembles
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poland · Guest ArtistBorn on 1st August 1978 in Ruda Śląska, Polish trumpet player Sławomir Cichor began playing in his hometown before continuing his education at the State Music School in Chorzów and Academy of Music in Wrocław. He is a distinguished educator and performer with an extensive international career.
Highlights
•Professor at the Academy of Music in Łódź
•Principal Trumpeter at Łódź Philharmonic
•Yamaha Artist

spain · young ArtistPatrizio Martin Fernandez is an emerging Spanish trumpet talent recognized for his exceptional technical and musical abilities. He gained international recognition as the Grand Prize winner of Trumpet Talents Tallinn 2025.
Highlights
•Grand Prix Winner of Trumpet Talents Tallinn 2025
•Recipient of Stomvi trumpet prize
•Recognized for exceptional technical abilities

estonia · Guest ArtistJason Hunter is a trumpeter, arranger, and composer originally from Los Angeles, California. After studying music at Fullerton College and Berklee College of Music with jazz legends such as Mark Whitfield, Ralph Peterson, and Tiger Okoshi, Jason has been performing with various projects as a side man and band leader all over the world. He has worked closely with soul music singer Sofia Rubina, and together they won the title of Best Estonian Jazz Album in 2015. Currently residing in Estonia, Hunter is increasingly playing with other Estonian jazz artists and is working on a new album of his original music.
Highlights
•Best Estonian Jazz Album (2015) with Sofia Rubina
•Extensive international performance experience
•Collaborator with multiple Estonian jazz ensembles
Collaborations
Sofia Rubina, Siim Aimla Funk Band, Jason Hunter Baltic Quartet, New Wind Jazz Orchestra

china · Guest ArtistXiao Kaiwen studied with professors Dai ZhongHui, Xu Hong and Liu Songsheng. His repertoire spans genres from classical and modern jazz to pop. In addition to being Professor of trumpet at the Central Conservatory of Music, he has been guest principal trumpet of China Philharmonic Orchestra, Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, Changsha Symphony Orchestra, and former principal trumpet of EOS orchestra.
Highlights
•Vice President of Trumpet Band Society Federation of Chinese Musicians' Association (CTG
)•Director of China Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles
•Director of the World Trumpet Federation
Collaborations
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, London International Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, China National Symphony Orchestra, Central Opera House, National Grand Theater Orchestra, Macau Orchestra

estonia · Guest ArtistJaan Mesi is a young and talented trumpeter from Rakvere, Estonia. He is studying at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre with Prof Aavo Ots. Mesi was a participant in the popular Estonian classical music TV show 'Klassikatähed 2016' where he won the competition. He works in the fields of classical, jazz, and pop music as a professional trumpeter, teacher, and conductor. He is a beloved teacher at Viimsi Music School and is recognized as a virtuoso performer.
Highlights
•Winner of 'Klassikatähed 2016' (Estonian classical music TV competition)
•Professional trumpeter, teacher, and conductor
•Beloved teacher at Viimsi Music School
Collaborations
Brassers Ensemble, Haldi & ans Flamingo, various Estonian orchestras and ensembles

israel · Guest ArtistMaria Meerovich studied at the Rimsky-Korsakov St Petersburg State Conservatory and received scholarships from Fond A. de Vries and Y. Menuhin. She is a distinguished pianist known for her chamber music performances and long-standing collaboration with Sergei Nakariakov.
Highlights
•Frequent collaborator with Sergei Nakariakov
•Performances at major international festivals
•SWR/Naxos CD recording (2023)

country · Guest ArtistBorn in Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod ) in 1977, Sergei Nakariakov is one of the world's most celebrated trumpet and flugelhorn players. He began with piano at age six but switched to trumpet after a spine injury in 1986. Known for his incredible technique, including circular breathing, and his ability to play a specially built 4-valve flugelhorn by Antoine Courtois.
Achievements:
•World-renowned trumpet virtuoso
•Nicknamed 'Paganini of the Trumpet'
•Master of circular breathing technique
•Performs on custom Antoine Courtois 4-valve flugelhorn
•Co-Artistic Director of Frequenza Festival
Collaborations:International orchestras and ensembles worldwide

estonia · artistic director of itdBorn in Tallinn, Neeme Ots started playing trumpet at age six under his father Aavo Ots' guidance. He graduated from Sibelius Academy (2011) with a Bachelor degree and completed Master studies with Simo Rantanen. He studied through the Erasmus program with Prof. Enrique Rioja-Liz in Madrid Conservatory.
Highlights
•Principal Trumpet Teacher at Tallinn School of Music and Ballet
•Artistic Director of International Trumpet Days festival
•Multiple national and international competition prizes
Collaborations
Spanish National Orchestra, European Royal Ensemble, Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra

estonia · Guest ArtistChris Sommer is a trumpet player and teacher based in Estonia. He studied Classical Trumpet Interpretation at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid. He is a member of the Estonian National Opera trumpet section and the Pärnu City Orchestra. He is also a teacher at Pärnu Music School, where he teaches brass instruments and leads the school's big band.
Highlights
•Trumpet player at Estonian National Opera
•Trumpet player at Pärnu City Orchestra
•Teacher at Pärnu Music School

norway · Guest ArtistHans Petter Stangnes is a highly respected trumpet soloist and educator from Norway. He serves as principal trumpet of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and is an active member of the Nordic Brass Ensemble. Known for his exceptional musicianship and teaching abilities.
Highlights
•Principal Trumpet of Trondheim Symphony Orchestra
•Member of Nordic Brass Ensemble
•Schagerl Artist

estonia · resident of itdTallinn Brass Academy brings together the younger generation of Estonian brass talents, from students to professional musicians. The ensemble aims to contribute to developing Estonian brass music and brass-playing culture by commissioning new compositions and training young musicians.
Mission
Develop Estonian brass music and brass-playing culture through new compositions, training, and international collaborations
Highlights
•Participates in International Trumpet Days festival
•Collaborates with world-renowned conductors
•Commissions new works from Estonian composers
CollaborationsWorks with conductors like Kristjan Järvi and international soloists such as Charlie Porter and Adan Delgado Illada

estonia · Guest ArtistVillem-Endel Tiits is a young Estonian trumpet musician studying Masters of Music (MM) in Trumpet Performance at Jāzepa Vītola Latvijas Mūzikas akadēmija (Latvian Academy of Music). He previously studied at Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia (Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre).
Highlights
•Master's student in Trumpet Performance
•Participant in Trumpet Talents Tallinn competition