Mari Kalkun is a musician, singer and a composer relying on her Southern Estonian roots. The songs are largely her own compositions, inspired by nature, Estonian poetry and folk music. Many of the lyrics are written by local poets carrying the feeling of rural life, the forests, the landscape. The flowing sound of Estonian language and its dialects create a meditative atmosphere in her music intertwined with the traditional singing – regilaul - and folkore. For making music and accompaning herself she uses kannel, piano, accordion, guitar but sometimes also pipes, whistles and various experimental instruments.

Her first solo album named “Üü tulõk” (2007) gained remarkable recognition among Estonian music audience and critics. Since then concerts have brought her to France, Hungary, England, Scotland, Germany, Finland, Russia, Armenia and Japan. “Vihmakõnõ” (2010) is her second album, dedicated to grandparents. Being personal and keeping connection with the roots “Dear Rain” continues what was started with the first album but moves closer towards minimalism and experimenting with sound/sounds. The album is recorded at various locations in home environments.

Mari Kalkun & Runorun is Mari’s Helsinki-based international group started in 2012. Improvisation is a big part of the ensemble’s working process allowing the band to be playful and innovative. Although only a quartet, all the members equally stand out for mastering multiple instruments,deep knowledge of traditions and fruitful fantasy. Runorun’s particular sound stems from two female voices and two neighbour-area kanteles supported by double bass and percussions. Their album “Tii ilo” was released in 2015.