Trio Tenorizans, based in the Netherlands, won NORDEM’s EAR-ly 2026, the ninth Nordic Baltic Competition for Young Early Music Ensembles. The final took place in Helsinki on 3 October. The trio consists of Wladyslaw Lech, historical clarinet; Agata Sorotokin, fortepiano; and Antonio Pellegrino, historical cello.
The jury, comprising Kati Debretzeni (GB), Saale Fischer (EE) and Veerle Declerck (BE), praised the ensemble’s consistently high artistic level and ability to bring out the full richness of the music. The prize comprises SEK 30,000 and an invitation to perform at one or more NORDEM member festivals.
A special prize was awarded to baroque violinist Martin Granström of il Triello (Finland). Ensemble Abelia (Estonia/Switzerland) received an invitation to perform at Haapsalu Early Music Festival in 2027.
The competition was held in collaboration with Aria Borealis and Helsinki Early Music Festival. The next edition is provisionally planned for Copenhagen in autumn 2028.
Organised by NORDEM every two years, EAR-ly aims to stimulate interest in early music among students and young professional musicians and encourage the formation of new ensembles, particularly in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Please see NORDEM’s press release below and read more about EAR-ly 2026 on the NORDEM website.
