Biography
Who is Mari Kalkun?
Early life and education
Mari Kalkun was born in Võru County in south-eastern Estonia. Growing up in the Võru district, she found early inspiration in the local woodlands, birds, and bogs. Her cousin is the musician and folklorist Andreas Kalkun, and the two have collaborated on musical projects together.
For her higher education, she first studied cultural management at the Viljandi Culture Academy. She continued her training with music studies at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. She also spent time as an exchange student at the Sibelius Academy located in Helsinki, Finland, where she successfully graduated with a master degree focused on traditional singing.
Career highlights
Mari Kalkun works as a singer, songwriter, and musician who specializes in traditional folk music and contemporary styles. She develops a specific musical approach by combining folk traditions with jazz elements. Alongside singing, she composes her own material and plays several instruments including the Estonian zither, piano, accordion, and guitar.
Her debut solo album titled Üü tulõk was released in 2007. The success of this first record led to concert invitations in France, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Russia. In 2009, she performed in Japan alongside the Estonian artist Pastacas, which included the release of a local recording of her music.
Albums and performances
Following her debut, Mari Kalkun released the record Dear Rain in 2010. She later collaborated with her Finnish band Runorun to release Tii ilo in 2015. During the same year, she also issued Upa-upa ubinakõnõ, which was recorded entirely in her native Võro language.
Her widely acclaimed album Ilmamõtsan was released in November 2017. The record features twelve songs written in Estonian and Võro, with most tracks composed by Kalkun and inspired by local poets and traditional folk music from her home region. Throughout her career, she has performed both at home in Estonia and abroad, including with the ensemble Runorum.
Birthday and age
Mari Kalkun was born on April 1, 1986, which makes Mari 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Mari shares the date with 56 other famous people.
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