Mara!

Acclaimed worldwide for her distinctive voice, Mara Kiek is an authority on Bulgarian vocal technique, song, and folk music.

Her 35-year career has included performances and recordings in styles ranging from folk to early music, and rock to improvised music. Mara was female artist of the year in the Australian World Music Awards in 2000, and has been the recipient of two ARIA’s (Australian Recording Industry Awards).

In 1988, with the assistance of the Australia Council’s Performing Arts Board, Mara travelled from her native Australia to Bulgaria for six months of study in folk music, choral music, and conducting.

Upon her return to Sydney, she recruited around 40 singers and formed the Martinetsa Choir, modeling the ensemble after the magnificent Bulgarian state choirs. Martenitsa has since become one of the most highly regarded and innovative choirs in Australia.

Further reading

‘I’m always happy on stage!’ Mari Kalkun releases live album featuring Estonian National Male Choir

The new version of the album marks an important milestone.

Spafford Campbell sign to Real World Records and announce album Tomorrow Held

The duo previously released the EP 102 Metres East on Real World X.

Track of the day: ‘Too Many Have Gone’ by The Breath

The Breath reveal their first new music since the release of their third album, Land of My Other. A...

Swaken Lyrics

Bab L' Bluz second album, Swaken, released in May 2024. These are the song lyrics in English, French...