On Thursday, during a memorial evening commemorating the 10th anniversary of maestro Eri Klas's passing, the Estonian National Culture Foundation awarded the Eri Klas stipendium for the fifth time. This year, the stipendium of 10,000 euros was presented to director and artist Ene-Liis Semper in recognition of her significant contributions to Estonian art and culture. The ceremony was held to honor Eri Klas’s influential role in Estonia's music and cultural scene.

The event featured speeches from notable figures such as Arne Mikk, Paavo Lampinen, and Urmas Kõiv, along with performances by well-known musicians including Rene Soom and pianist Havryil Sydoryk. The evening highlighted Klas's lasting legacy in the artistic community while aiming to inspire future generations. In addition to the stipendium award, the announcement for the 2026 stipendium competition was made, emphasizing the support for literature, translators, and publishers as part of the Year of the Estonian Book.

Eri Klas, who passed away in 2016, was an internationally recognized conductor and a pivotal figure in shaping Estonia's cultural landscape. The memorial evening served not only as a tribute to his life but also as a reminder of the ongoing need to celebrate and support the arts in Estonia, showcasing how Klas's influence continues to resonate within the country's artistic endeavors.