Acclaimed Estonian violinist Hans Christian Aavik, is the First Prize winner of the 2022 Carl Nielsen International Competition and recipient of Germany’s Usedom Prize. Named “One to Watch” by Gramophone for his “effortless sounding virtuosity and tone,” he has quickly established himself as one of the leading young violinists of his generation.

In 2025, Aavik appeared as soloist alongside Midori on a high-profile tour with Paavo Järvi and the Estonian Festival Orchestra, marking the 90th anniversary of Arvo Pärt. Following widely praised performances of Tabula Rasa at the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Tonhalle Zürich, and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Aavik made his Carnegie Hall debut. The New York Times described his performance as astounding” for its blend of “sheer energy” and “entrancing calm,” hailing him as a “natural Pärt interpreter.”

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Aavik’s recording career has drawn equal acclaim. His 2025 debut orchestral album with the Odense Symphony Orchestra under Gemma New - featuring Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Violin Concerto No. 2 Angel’s Share - received a five star review from BBC Music Magazine and was named Concerto Recording of the Month. The Strad praised Aavik’s “commitment, connection and insight” into the contrasting works, highlighting the “microscopic detail and nuance” that brings their storytelling vividly to life. He has also recorded for Deutsche Grammophon’s Rising Stars series on the STAGE+ platform, further strengthening his international profile.