Nota bene: Kristjan Kannukene / Mikk Kaasik • Jazzkaar 2025

Jazzkaar is dedicated to spotlighting young talents, and this year the festival’s main programme features a special two-part concert evening showcasing exceptional rising stars. The evening begins with Kristjan Kannukene, a violist, composer, and improviser, followed by Mikk Kaasik, a pianist who wowed fans of jazz, funk, and fusion with his debut album Take One last year. Experience the dynamic and exciting world of young jazz! 

Kristjan Kannukene is a multifaceted artist – a violist, singer, electric guitarist, composer, improviser, and intermedia creator. His work spans diverse and symbiotic forms, from performing Bach’s violin concertos on electric guitar to improvising rock solos on viola with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. He released his debut album 333 and has showcased his compositions at prestigious venues, including London’s Wigmore Hall and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kannukene graduated cum laude from two master’s programmes at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, specialising in classical viola and contemporary improvisation. He furthered his studies at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatory, the University of Lucerne (Music and Art Performance programme), and the Zurich University of the Arts, completing the advanced interdisciplinary programme CAS Creation and Scenario in Music. 

Jazz pianist Mikk Kaasik captivates audiences with his dynamic and electrifying compositions. He began his musical journey at the age of seven, studying classical piano and singing, and his passion for jazz piano blossomed at 17 when he started studying under Jürmo Eespere at the Heino Eller Music School. In the summer of 2024, Kaasik released his debut album, Take One. This instrumental record, which blends jazz, fusion, and funk, embodies raw energy and youthful vitality. One of its standout tracks, Rapid Resonance, earned Kaasik the Uno Naissoo Composition Competition award. Kaasik draws inspiration from musical legends such as Cory Wong, Ray Thistlethwayte, Michael League, and Quincy Jones. 

Lineup 

Mikk Kaasik – Keyboards 

Uku Konsap – Alto Saxophone 

Felix Verlin – Bass Guitar 

Alex Verlin – Electric Guitar 

Samuel Kurvits – Percussion 

Henri Paul Pukk – Drums