WHO WE ARE
Our name "Estelliah" consists of 3 words. We combined the words "Quelle" and "lähde" (German and Finnish for "source") with the words "crystal" and "stillness" to make a nice-sounding name that rolls off the tongue.
We are a group of 4 professional, classical musicians from Iceland, Switzerland, Latvia and the United States. Our enjoyment of free improvisation is what brought us together, and as an ensemble we create contemplative, sacred experiences.
Ilze Gagaine (Latvia)
ILZE studied violin at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. Since graduating, she has been playing in various projects, traveling, teaching, and giving workshops. She enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration with different artists and loves jazz and free improvisation–there are so many new surprises and musical colours to be found!
Tabea Kämpf (Switzerland)
TABEA studied violin at the University of the Arts in Bern, Switzerland and viola at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in Berlin, Germany. She loves how music has the power to communicate without words and to touch people in such deep, personal ways. She enjoys being part of international projects, and loves creativity, photography, baking and being in nature.
Catherine Maria (Iceland)
CATHERINE MARIA studied cello at the Academy of the Arts in Iceland and Bern University of the Arts, Switzerland. She also did an NAIP International Master of Music, specializing in innovative practice and how to reach new audiences with her music. She loves collaborating with different musicians and experimenting with new ideas in leading diverse artistic projects. She loves great chocolate, good conversations, and fun trips in beautiful nature!
Karen Brubaker (USA)
KAREN holds a Master's degree in Flute Performance from Bern University of the Arts in Switzerland. One of her passions is using music to connect with people across different cultures, disciplines, faiths, and social statuses. Karen has fun exploring & teaching beatbox flute, loves traveling to new places, and relishes connecting with friends over a good, strong cup of coffee.