Elina Duni

Elina Duni, a Swiss-Albanian jazz singer and composer, was born on March tenth, nineteen eighty-one. At the tender age of ten, she left her native Albania to pursue her education in Geneva, Switzerland. Her passion for music led her to the University of the Arts Bern, where she honed her skills in singing, composition, and teaching.

In two thousand four, Duni formed a quartet that showcased her unique sound, collaborating with notable musicians such as Swiss jazz pianist Colin Vallon, bassist Patrice Moret, and drummer Norbert Pfammatter. This ensemble quickly gained recognition, with music critic John Fordham noting their potential as a rising star in the ECM label.

After releasing two albums, Baresha in two thousand eight and Lume Lume in two thousand ten, the quartet transitioned to ECM Records, producing Matanë Malit (Beyond the Mountain) in two thousand twelve, followed by Dallëndyshe (Swallow) in two thousand fifteen. Duni's exploration of her roots continued with her first album as a singer-songwriter, Muza e Zezë (The Black Muse), released in two thousand fourteen.

Her career continued to flourish, earning her a nomination for the annual Swiss Music Prize in two thousand seventeen. In two thousand eighteen, she unveiled Partir, a solo project that features her accompanying herself on piano, acoustic guitar, and percussion, showcasing traditional folk songs in nine different languages.

Currently residing in Zurich, Switzerland, Duni collaborates with British guitarist Rob Luft, resulting in two albums on ECM Records. Their joint effort, Lost Ships, released in two thousand twenty, includes six original compositions and six interpretations, supported by talented musicians like Matthieu Michel and Fred Thomas. Their second album, A Time to Remember, received acclaim as Jazz Album of the Month by The Guardian, with Fordham praising its delicate yet vibrant sound.