Liisa Randalu is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born on August 23, 1980, in Tallinn, Estonia, Liisa grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Jüri Randalu, is a well-known jazz pianist, and her mother, Mari Targo, is a musicologist. Liisa's parents recognized her musical talent at a young age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Liisa began playing the violin at the age of four and later switched to the viola. She studied at the Tallinn Music High School and later at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Liisa continued her studies at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin, where she received her Master's degree in 2005. Liisa's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age. She won her first competition at the age of six and went on to win numerous awards throughout her career. In 1997, Liisa won first prize at the International Viola Competition in Markneukirchen, Germany. She also won the Estonian National Competition for Young Musicians in 1998 and the International Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria in 2002. Liisa's career as a professional musician began in 2003 when she joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as a violist. She played with the orchestra for six years and performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Liisa also played with other renowned orchestras, such as the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In addition to her work as an orchestral musician, Liisa is also an accomplished soloist and chamber musician. She has performed with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including pianist Martha Argerich and violinist Gidon Kremer. Liisa has also collaborated with contemporary composers, such as Arvo Pärt and Sofia Gubaidulina, and has premiered several new works for the viola. Liisa's performances have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. She has been described as a "violist of exceptional sensitivity and virtuosity" by The Strad magazine and has been praised for her "rich, warm tone and impeccable intonation" by The New York Times. Liisa's recordings have also received critical acclaim. Her debut album, "Viola Sonatas," was released in 2010 and features works by Brahms, Schumann, and Shostakovich. The album was praised for its "intense emotional power" and "technical brilliance" by Gramophone magazine. Liisa's second album, "Arvo Pärt: Music for Viola," was released in 2015 and features works by the Estonian composer. The album was praised for its "subtle beauty" and "deeply moving performances" by The Guardian. In addition to her performing career, Liisa is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Liisa is also a frequent guest teacher at music festivals and masterclasses around the world. Liisa's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, she was awarded the Estonian Music Council's Young Musician of the Year award. In 2012, she was awarded the Order of the White Star, one of Estonia's highest honors, for her contributions to Estonian culture. In 2018, she was awarded the Estonian Cultural Endowment's Annual Music Award.

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