Registration has ended
The Albu International Piano Camp 2024 is an immersive summer music program taking place from July 18 to 23 at the historic Albu Manor, located in the peaceful natural surroundings of Järva County. With roots dating back to the 13th century, the manor provides a unique setting where history, nature, and music come together, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and artistically stimulating.
The camp is designed to bring together talented pianists from Estonia and abroad for an intensive period of musical study and collaboration. At its heart is a focus on developing artistic expression and deepening musical understanding through close guidance from internationally respected pianists and teachers, Hui-Ying Liu-Tawaststjerna and Erik T. Tawaststjerna from Sibelius Academy, Finland. Their experience as performers and educators shapes the camp into a highly professional yet supportive learning environment.
Throughout the week, participants engage in masterclasses and individual work, while also having the opportunity to perform in concerts both at the manor and within the wider cultural context of the Mõisamängud. This combination of study and performance allows students to refine their technique, explore interpretation, and gain valuable stage experience.
Beyond its academic focus, the camp emphasizes community and shared experience. Set in a tranquil park and surrounded by nature, daily life at the manor encourages interaction between participants, informal music-making, and social activities that contribute to a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The result is not only a place for artistic growth, but also a setting where musicians can connect, exchange ideas, and find new motivation in their musical journey.
-
Pianist HUI-YING LIU-TAWASTSTJERNA was born in Taiwan. She became a permanent resident of Finland in1982, after having lived in several other countries. She holds a Doctor of Music degree from the Sibelius Academy, and a Master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Her principal teachers included Emane Wu, Martin Canin and Konrad Wolff. She also received coaching from Leon Fleisher, Pierre Sancan, Karl Ülrich Schnabel, and Rosa Sabater.
Hui-Ying won her first piano competition in Taipei at age 13. Her ensuing competition success preceded her recital debut in Buenos Aires at age 15, and her orchestral debut in New York at age 17. Ever since she made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a winner of Artists International Management’s auditions, she has concertized as recitalist, soloist with orchestra, chamber pianist and collaborating pianist on five continents. She has shared podium with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Okko Kamu, Eri Klas, and with instrumentalists such as Steven Isserlis, Paul Tortelier, Patrick Gallois, Jean-Jacque Kantorow, among others. She also performs regularly as a piano duo with her husband Erik T. Tawaststjerna. She has made recordings for the Finlandia Records, and the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE. Her repertoire ranges from Bach to Magnus Lindberg, including a large selection of piano works and chamber music by Sibelius, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy.
Hui-Ying has been a tenured faculty member of the Sibelius Academy since 1984. She has taught a number of outstanding pianists and competition winners such as Antti Siirala, Juho Pohjonen, and Irina Zahharenkova, to mention but a few. She has also given master classes, workshops and lectures in Germany, England, Spain, Ireland, the U.S, Taiwan, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, among others. She was head of the Piano Department in 2004–2008. In addition, she has co-authored a piano method, Piano Key. Presently as the president of the Chopin Society of Finland, Hui-Ying engages herself actively in the promotion of young musicians, classical music and performing arts in general. She is one of the main architects of such musical events as the Baltic-Nordic Crossing Keyboards; the Young Chopin Festival, and the MusicPlus concerts. She received a decoration, Cross of Merit of the Order of the White Rose, from the President of Finland in 2006.ERIK T. TAWASTSTJERNA is Professor Emeritus at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. He began his musical education in Helsinki, took private lessons in Moscow from Genrietta Mirvis, graduated from the Vienna Music Academy, where he studied with Dieter Weber, and earned a Master of Music degree from New York’s Juilliard School, where his teacher was Sascha Gorodnitzki. He also holds a doctorate from New York University where he studied under the guidance of Eugene List. He has participated in master classes given by Wilhelm Kempff and Dmitri Bashkirov. He won the second prize at the Helsinki Maj Lind National Piano Competition in 1968 and has since given concerts around the world. He has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras in Finland, performing such works as Rachmaninoff’s Concerto no. 3 and Leonard Bernstein’s Age of Anxiety. In 1990 he was invited to give a performance for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. Mr. Tawaststjerna has made numerous recordings, among them the four Ballades of Chopin and a series of 8 recordings of the complete piano music of Jean Sibelius. He has been teaching since 1982 at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he was appointed full professor of piano in 1986. Many of his students have received top prizes in international piano competitions, and some of them have advanced to the position of university professor: Henri Sigfridsson in Essen, Germany, Victor Chestopal in Brussels, and Julia Mustonen-Dahlkvist in Arvika, Sweden. Mr. Tawaststjerna’s expertise has been called upon in the juries of several competitions, such as the Van Cliburn Competition in Fort Worth, the Maria Canals Competition in Barcelona, the Dublin Piano Competition, the International Beethoven Competition in Vienna, the London International Piano Competition, the Hilton Head Piano Competition, the New York International Piano Competition, the Weimar Liszt Competition, the José Iturbi Competition in Valencia, the Isang Yun Competition in South Korea, the Prokofiev Competition in St Petersburg, the Ciurlionis and Vainiunas Competitions in Vilnius, the Aarhus International Competition in Denmark, and the Mozart Competition in Zhuhai, China. He has given master classes, among other places, at the Guildhall School of Music in London, the University of the Arts in Berlin, the Tokyo College of Music, the YST Conservatory in Singapore, and the Vienna University of Music and the Performing Arts. In 2006 he was named ‘Professor of the Year’ by the Finnish Professors’ League.
-
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, who teach lessons to beginner-level piano students during the courses, are selected from among the young pianists participating in the international piano course.
KAJA KRAAV is an Estonian music teacher, choir conductor, and promoter of folk culture, active in the Albu region of Järvamaa.
Kaja Kraav works as a music teacher at Põhja-Järva School (Albu study site), where in addition to music she also teaches other subjects and has served as a class teacher. The focus of her daily work is supporting children’s musical development and fostering their interest in music.
In addition to her work at school, she is an active musician and instructor. She directs children’s and youth choirs, various ensembles, and folk music groups. As an instrumental teacher, she teaches several instruments, including the small kannel and the ukulele, helping young people acquire both practical and creative musical skills.
Kaja Kraav is dedicated to preserving and developing Estonian folk culture and traditional music. She organizes and conducts music events, workshops, and camps, and actively contributes to local cultural life. Her work helps keep traditional music alive and strengthens the sense of community.
For her contribution to cultural life, she has received recognition, including cultural awards from Järvamaa.
Kaja Kraav is a respected teacher and instructor whose work brings together education, music, and community life, making an important contribution to the development of young people and the preservation of Estonia’s cultural heritage.DIANA LIIV is an Estonian pianist and chamber musician, and the artistic director of the concert agency Kammermuusikud. Since 2008, she has organized around 120 classical and contemporary music concerts across Estonia each year, including the series “Mõisamängud” and “HELIjaKEEL.” For her artistic direction of the latter, she received the Cultural Endowment’s Annual Music Award in 2018.
Liiv studied at the Tallinn Music High School and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and has furthered her studies abroad. She has performed both as a soloist and chamber musician in Estonia and internationally, and has collaborated with many Estonian composers, also premiering several works.
In addition to her concert activities, she works as a piano teacher, has published music educational books for children, and serves as the director of the Albu International Piano Camp.
Content of the courses
Content of the International Masterclasses
Young professionals selected for the course will receive four individual lessons from Hui-Ying and/or Erik Tawaststjerna, one group lesson, and the opportunity to participate in all events related to the course – including a concerts, and trying their hand at teaching beginner students.
Concerts will also take place as part of the course, both during the program at Albu Manor and on July 20–21 in various manors across Estonia.
Schedule
18–23.07. Hui-Ying and Erik Tawaststjerna’s master classes
18.07. at 12 PM Opening of Young Piano Students’ course (19.–20.07. start of lessons daily from 10 AM)
18.07. at 3 PM Opening of Albu international Piano Camp, tour of the manor
18.07. at 4 PM Start of masterclasses (19.–23.07. start of the masterclasses daily from 10 AM)
18.07. at 6 PM Performance of Hui-Ying Liu-Tawaststjerna and Erik T. Tawaststjerna
19.07 at 8 PM Campfire night, party and sauna at Simisalu Nature House
20.07. at 12 PM Concert in collaboration with the festival “Mõisamängud” in Aruküla manor (in Koeru, 38 km from Albu)
20.07. at 7 PM Concert of International Albu Piano Camp participants and Young Piano Students
21.07. at 12 PM Concert in collaboration with the festival “Mõisamängud” in Ravila manor (in Kose, 38 km from Albu)
21.07. at 15 Concert in collaboration with the festival “Mõisamängud” in Lasila manor, 44 km from Albu)
22. 07. at 7 PM Concert of International Albu Piano Camp participants
23.07. at 3 PM Final Concert of International Albu Piano Camp participants
Content of the Piano Enthusiasts’ Course
The courses are intended for both younger participants and piano enthusiasts of all ages – beginners as well as advanced players. Preschool-aged children who are just making their first contact with learning an instrument are also welcome, as are adults who wish to gain more experience and inspiration in playing.
Participants will receive three individual piano lessons and at least one group lesson in folk music and/or ensemble playing. Piano lessons for children and less experienced participants are mostly given by young pianists taking part in the international course. String and wind instrument players are also very welcome to join the ensembles. Lessons for other instruments can be arranged by agreement.
Group lesson instructors: Kaja Kraav (folk music – small kannel, ukulele, etc.), Diana Liiv (piano, ensemble)
The course offers good practice conditions, opportunities to perform, and the chance to attend open lessons, masterclasses, and concerts, as well as to enjoy free time. Parents are also very welcome. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Accommodation for parents is free of charge. Parents’ assistance and cooperation with transport and catering are highly appreciated.
Schedule:
July 18, 12:00 – Opening of the Young Pianists’ Piano Course (July 18–20) at Albu Manor. Lessons follow; detailed daily schedules will be shared at the start of the course.
July 18, 15:00 – excursion at the manor for new participants
July 18, 18:00 – Concert by Hui-Ying Liu-Tawaststjerna and Erik T. Tawaststjerna at Albu Manor
July 19, 20:00 – Bonfire evening, food, and sauna at Simisalu Nature House
July 20, 19:00 – Final concert of the Young Pianists’ Piano Course together with young professionals from the international course at Albu Manor
From July 18–23, masterclasses by Hui-Ying and Erik Tawaststjerna will take place at Albu Manor. These are open for the young pianists of the course to attend as listeners, while the active participants are young professional musicians.
Venue: Albu manor
Albu Manor, situated in Järva County, Estonia, is one of the oldest manors in the country.
The name of this manor was first mentioned by historians in 1282, and its buildings have been used by a school since 1921. Surrounded by a beautiful park, Albu Manor consists of one main historic house, which has been largely restored, in addition to a couple newer buildings within the same park area. It is an idyllic place in the middle of nature.
Facilities
The courses offer excellent practice conditions, opportunities to perform and attend open lessons, masterclasses, and concerts, as well as free time activities. Parents are very welcome to support children during the courses. Participants under 12 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Parental help and cooperation with transportation and meals are greatly appreciated.
Leisure / Local Attractions
Near Albu Manor, there is also a children’s playground and an artificial lake.
Travel Information
From the airport:
The train stop "Ülemiste" is 850 m from the airport. The destination stop is "Aegviidu." Tickets (3–4 €) can be purchased on the train with a bank card.
From the port:
Go to the train stop "Tallinn" (main railway station "Balti Jaam," 2 km from the port). The destination stop is "Aegviidu." Tickets (3–4 €) can be purchased on the train with a bank card.
Trains run approximately once an hour, all day until late evening. Elron schedules
It is also possible to be picked up by car from Aegviidu, about 20 km from Albu. Group car arrangements from Tallinn can also be organized; notify via email: kammermuusikud@gmail.com
Course Fees, Registration, and Discounts
Note: The 2024 course is fully booked, and registration is closed.
Deadline: 24.6.2024
To register for the Albu International Piano Camp, please fill out the Albu registration form 2024. A confirmation email will be sent shortly after registration.
More information: +372 55913910
International Masterclass Fees (18–23 July)
Participation fee: €300 (does not include accommodation or meals)
10% discount is available for participants teaching at the Youth Camp.
Piano Enthusiasts Course Fees (18–20 July)
Participation fee: €80 (does not include accommodation or meals)
Discounts and scholarships are available for Järva county piano enthusiasts and PJK students.
Accommodation (according to registration)
Shared rooms at Jäägri Villa: €36/night (up to 3 people per room, includes breakfast; higher rate for 1 night or single occupancy, 3-minute walk from Albu manor)
Simisalu Nature House (only 18-20.07, 20 €/night, shared rooms: 2-7 persons per room, camping style, ca 6 km from Albu manor)
Large room at Albu Youth Center: €10/night (up to 6 people, bring your own mattress, bed linen, and towel; kitchen available, 3-minute walk from Albu manor)
Meals (according to registration)
At Jäägri Villa:
Breakfast at 9:00 (€6, free for Villa residents)
Lunch at 14:00 (€10.50)
Dinner at 18:00 (€10.50)
Albu grocery store (3-minute walk from Albu Manor)
Mon–Fri: 10:00–18:00, Sat: 10:00–16:00
Kitchen facilities are available at Albu Manor and the Youth Center.
