Age Juurikas, one of the most original pianists in Estonia, unites german and russian traditions in her technique. She stands out with her bold choice of repertoire and narrative programs. Though Age’s favourite period in music is the turn of the 19th century, she unflinchingly takes the challenge to perform works from Bach to Stockhausen Mantra and premieres of contemporary piano concertos.
Pianist Age Juurikas began her music studies at the Tallinn Music High School at the age of 4, graduating from Toivo Nahkur’s class of 1998. She continued her studies at the Estonian Academy of Music under the guidance of Peep Lassmann and Toivo Nahkur, graduating in 2004. In 2000–2001 Age studied at the Sibelius Academy, Finland, under the supervision of the professors Matti Raekallio and Liisa Pohjola, and in 2002–2003, at the University of Music in Karlsruhe, instructed by Prof. Kalle Randalu. During 2003-2007, she studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory under the supervision by Vera Gornostayeva (and mostly with her assistant Sergei Glavatskihh).
Age Juurikas has been awarded numerous prizes at national as well as international competitions, such as the 1st prize at the Vainunas Competition in Vilnius and the Grand Prix at the Estonian competition-festival CON BRIO for all instruments in 1998, the 4th prize at the Artur Rubinstein Competition for Young Pianists in Bydgoszcz in 2000 and the 1st prize at the National Competition for Pianists in Tallinn in 2002. In 1998, the Estonian State Concert Institution “Eesti Kontsert” awarded her the title Young Musician of the Year. In 2003 she was awarded the first Neeme Järvi Prize for her successful presentation of Estonian music. In 2005 Age received the semi-finalist prize at the International Rachmaninov Contest in Los Angeles. In 2008 she was the finalist and diploma holder of 47th Arcangelo Speranza International Piano Competition in Taranto.
Her debut solo album “The Soul of Fire” received the chamber music prize of Estonian Annual Music Awards.
2023 she was awarded with title “Best interpreter of the year 2023” by Assosiation of estonian professional musicians. Age Juurikas closely collaborates with renowned conductors like Neeme Järvi, Kaspars Puntins and Risto Joost as well as with many chamber musicians in thrilling projects. She is frequent guest at several music festivals in Europe.
A substantial part of Age’s time is also devoted to teaching both at the Estonian Academy of Music and Tallinn College of Music and Ballet as well as giving master classes at home and abroad. Since 2018, Age is an artist represented by ERP.