Kadri Tegelmann blends styles and embraces unfamiliar projects

Estonian singer Kadri Tegelmann says she prefers projects that push her beyond her comfort zone, ERR’s Vikerraadio reported. After years of studying opera in the Netherlands, she realised that classical opera was not the path she wanted to pursue and began exploring collaborations that combine different musical styles.

Tegelmann moved to the Netherlands in 2006 to study classical singing at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. She completed a bachelor’s degree there before earning a master’s degree at the Dutch National Opera Academy. She has lived in the Netherlands for 20 years and now works as a freelancer.

“I like singing and I like music, but I started looking for a different path and different musicians to create projects that appeal to me,” Tegelmann said.

Her first project in the Netherlands after completing her studies was DJ Mozart, which brought together hip-hop artists, a DJ and Mozart’s music. She has since worked with children’s and puppet theatres. Her most recent major tour in the Netherlands was a dance production in which she both sang and danced.

Mingo Rajandi invited Tegelmann to take part in the production “Elajannad2. Pomegranate Tree, Give Me Weapons.” Tegelmann said she had contacted Rajandi because she liked his work, and their meeting led to the idea of collaborating.

“I like projects where I am pushed a little out of my comfort zone, so that I have to discover new sides of myself,” she said.

The production deals with intimate partner violence on several levels, including psychological violence. Its dramaturg is Lilli Luuk, while the texts were written by Brigitta Davidjants, Maarja Kangro, Kaisa Ling and Triin Soomets.