Una Corda

Una Corda (in Italian „one string“) is an ensemble unique for bringing together these three multi-string instruments: harp, Estonian chromatic kannel, and harpsichord. Established in 2009, the trio’s members are Kristi Mühling (kannel), Liis Jürgens (harp), and Ene Nael (harpsichord). The sound of Una Corda may be described as an intimate and delicate color palette, brightened up by more powerful accents and images. The harpsichord provides a rhythmical impulse and density; the long reverberation of the kannel adds an ethereal quality and brilliance to the upper register, while the harp with its deep low sounds and round timbre complements them. The repertoire of the ensemble is versatile, with programs including original music by renowned composers as well as arrangements and even free improvisation. The ensemble has commissioned and performed works by various Estonian composers: Helena Tulve, Tatjana Kozlova-Johannes, Märt-Matis Lill, Liis Viira, René Eespere, Margo Kõlar, Kristjan Kõrver, Elo Masing, Malle Mattis, Mirjam Tally, Lauri Jõeleht, Ülo Krigul, Robert Jürjendal, and others. The trio has also made new arrangements of compositions by Ester Mägi, Raimo Kangro, Arvo Pärt, Jaan Rääts and other composers. Since 2015, the ensemble has been exploring the world of free improvisation, also including it in their concert programs.

Una Corda’s first public concert took place on February 14, 2009, in the Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn, organized by the Estonian Association of Professional Musicians. Since then the ensemble has performed at several music festivals in Estonia, including the Estonian Music Days and Tallinn Music Week. The members also promote their instruments and Estonian music through the ensemble’s lecture concerts in Outside Estonia, the ensemble has performed at the contemporary harpsichord music festival ProCembalo in Italy 2013 Nordlichter Festival in Berlin 2014 Global Harp Congress in Sydney 2014 alternative chamber music festival Sansusī in Latvia 2017 Nostalgia Festival in Poznań Poland 2014 and 2012 at Mirjam Tally’s composer’s evening in Visby, Gotland - Outside Estonia, the ensemble has performed at the contemporary harpsichord music festival ProCembalo in Italy (2013), Nordlichter Festival in Berlin (2014), Global Harp Congress in Sydney (2014), an alternative chamber music festival in Sansusī, Latvia (2017), Nostalgia Festival in Poznań, Poland (2014), Helsinki International Harp Festival, Finland (2020), The Nordic Historical Keyboard Festival in Kuopio, Finland (2022) and in 2012 at Mirjam Tally’s composer’s evening in Visby, Sweden. Una Corda has also cooperated with contemporary dance choreographers. In 2009, the ensemble participated as musicians and dancers in the performance Opus tempus (music by Monika Matthiesen, choreographers Mari Mägi and Kaja Lindal). In 2018, in cooperation with the Kadriorg Art Museum, they performed in the dance production Metamorphoses of Beauty (choreographer Maria Goltsman), where the music was born from real-time improvisation. In cooperation with Estonian Classical Radio, the ensemble has recorded plenty of music for the music fund of Estonian Public Broadcasting. In 2012, the ensemble issued their debut album, Una Corda. Their second album Voolujoon released in February 2022.