Biography

With her distinctive mix of genres, languages and powerful voice range, London-based Estonian singer Madara Vilson will take you on a musical journey sure to be the perfect entertainment for any event in search of elegant and sophisticated entertainment. From beloved jazz standards to soulful and technically challenging Russian romances, sultry bossas to cheeky swing, all wrapped up in a dazzling on-stage persona, Madara’s tastefully mixed repertoire with the ability to entertain in 6 different languages – English, Russian, German, French, Estonian, and Latvian – is sure to entice and unify the most varied of audiences.

Early on coached by leading Estonian jazz and classical singing coaches, Ms Vilson, who is half-Estonian, half-Latvian had by the age of 8 years already sung solos in two of the biggest concert halls in Estonia. These experiences sparked the stage fever, which never left Madara, and has through the years led to stage confidence and charisma which undoubtedly is linked to having performed from a very early age on.

Having been brought up with 3 languages simultaneously (Estonian, Latvian, German), enforced Madara’s position as a ‘cultural chameleon’ and led her to take part in foreign singing contests. In 2006 Madara reached the Finals of the Latvian singing contest “Jaunās zvaigznes” (New Stars) which was live-broadcasted by the National Latvian TV, giving her the chance to perform solo on the famous Dzintari Concert Hall in Jurmala, most prominent for being for many years the showplace of the international Russian-speaking singing festival New Wave.

Her avid love for history and culture has in the last few years brought Madara close to Russian music which suits Madara’s passionate personality like a glove. Her interpretation of Russian pop and jazz but most importantly her deep emotional understanding of Russian romance singing, have led her to high-profile engagements with a growing number of personal and corporate clients. What is more, in 2012 Madara’s recordings featuring a varied mix of English, German and Russian songs attracted the attention of the most important Baltic and Soviet popular music composer – Maestro Raimonds Pauls – which resulted in a solo performance in front of the full house of the Riga Russian Drama Theatre. Her co-operation with the guitar duo of Nina Tarasova and Elena Homskaya from St. Petersburg resulted in the concert project ”Вальс в зеркалах” (Waltz in the Mirrors), which culminated in a performance in the White Hall of the Vladimir Palace (Дворец Великого князя Владимира Александровича / Дом учёных) in November 2016, where Madara sang both Russian Romances from the Silver Age of Russian poetry set to music as well as the original creations of Nina Tarasova in the Old Russian Romance style.

During numerous victorious singing contests Madara has gained invaluable TV-experience, which has strengthened her as a performer immensely. In 2006 she won Estonia’s most important and well-known youth singing contest “Laulukarussell” (Song Carousel) which was hosted by the National Estonian TV. In 2012 Madara reached the Finals of the international Russian singing contest “Гран-При Санкт-Петербурга” (Grand Prix of St. Petersburg), where her performance sparked the interest of Vasily Gerello, the leading baritone of the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre and TV-channel “Санкт-Петербург” (St. Petersburg), leading to an interview on national Russian television.

On the 5th of May 2014 Madara held her first solo concert at London’s illustrious The Hippodrome Casino titled When Lights Are Low - her repertoire of romantic and sensual evening music in English, Russian, and German; 6-piece band including accordion and violin; the co-operation with some of London’s finest show dancers was sure to delight all those present.

Currently, Madara is studying for a MMus degree at the London College of Music in Jazz singing, perfecting her skills under Iain Mackenzie, one of England’s top jazz and big band singers, and saxophonist and arranger Pete Cook. In Spring 2012 she received the London College of Music Pete Cook Jazz Prize, rarely ever awarded to a  BMus first year student.

Madara is available for bookings from duo to quintet for functions as well as corporate and private events, the repertoire of the evening being tailored to the wishes of the client.