Age Juurikas is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a pianist, harpsichordist, and conductor. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, in 1971, Juurikas showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He went on to study at the Tallinn Music High School and later at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, where he received his degree in piano performance. Juurikas' talent as a pianist was quickly recognized, and he began performing in concerts and competitions throughout Estonia and Europe. In 1993, he won first prize at the International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig, Germany, which launched his international career. Over the years, Juurikas has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. One of Juurikas' most notable performances was his debut at the BBC Proms in 2004, where he performed Bach's Goldberg Variations to critical acclaim. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was later released on CD. In addition to his work as a pianist, Juurikas is also an accomplished harpsichordist and has performed extensively on the instrument. He has recorded several albums of harpsichord music, including works by Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti. Juurikas is also a respected conductor and has led many orchestras in performances of both classical and contemporary music. He has conducted the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, among others. Throughout his career, Juurikas has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances and recordings. In 2005, he was awarded the Order of the White Star, one of Estonia's highest honors, for his contributions to Estonian culture. He has also been awarded the Estonian Music Council's Annual Prize and the Tallinn Music Week Award. Juurikas is known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he performs. He is particularly admired for his interpretations of Bach's music, which he has described as "the foundation of everything I do." Despite his success, Juurikas remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record regularly, and he is committed to promoting classical music and supporting young musicians in Estonia and around the world.

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