Kris Kuldkepp is an Estonian-born sound and performance artist based in Hamburg, Germany. Her work investigates the perception, materiality, and behavior of sound, emphasizing its resonance within physical spaces. With a background in classical and early music performance on the double bass and viola da gamba, Kris has transitioned to experimental practices that incorporate improvisation, deep listening, and a focus on singular sounds. Her artistic toolkit includes string basses, early music instruments, modular synthesizers, found objects, and live-electronics.
Since 2019, Kris has collaborated with music theatre director Lisa Pottstock to create innovative and humorous performative music theatre pieces that engage with political discourses. Additionally, she has worked with experimental musician Jeff Surak (DC) since 2022 and collaborated with ensembles such as The Ensemble of Estonian Electronic Music Society and MOLJEBKA PVLSE. Kris’s performances have been showcased at prominent festivals including Brutal Assault (CZ), Ultima (NO), Üle Heli (EE) and Sound of Stockholm (SE).
Her solo works often combine sound art with interactive performance elements, inviting audiences into immersive experiences. Notable projects include FLUIDUM SKIN, a solo modular synthesizer composition premiered at Tallinn Music Week 2024, and collaborative releases such as The Last Piece of Graphite with Jeff Surak.
Kris has deep roots in the experimental music scene in Hamburg as part of the curatorial team for Hörbar – an association focussing on experimental music of all arts.
Beyond her artistic practice, Kris has expertise in spatial audio technologies like Ambisonics and Wavefield Synthesis and interactive electronics. She has given lectures and workshops across Europe and the USA on topics such as interactive technology, spatial sound design, and free improvisation.
Photo: Jeff Surak
