Robert Mari Biography Recordings Performances Other Artists

Mari, Robert Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor, Improv Artist Robert was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. He began playing piano at age three, and by sixteen, he had become Musical Director, Arranger, and Conductor for the Russian Folk Orchestras of Vancouver and Victoria. These experiences gave him his first taste of the mystical states accessible through direct, in-the-moment immersion in live music. Robert went on to earn his BMus degree from the University of British Columbia and his MMus and DMA (abd) from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. He excelled in his studies because, as he says, "my dedication to music has always come naturally to me." He also conducted many orchestras across Canada and several in the US. Robert explored electronic and computer music for about ten years before he returned to acoustic instruments, focusing on jazz piano influenced by Victoria's George Essihos. His current improvisational work embodies a fresh expression of his unique style. Throughout his musical career, Robert has always revelled in exploring and performing. His current work as an acoustic piano improv artist is the latest reflection of this love. The first step in his career as a professional recording artist, Arrival is Robert's arrival into the realm of sharing his magical musical work with a wide audience. For more about Arrival, click here.