About

Marie-Kell is a violinist and marine biologist whose work sits at the intersection of science and music. Drawing on her dual passions, she uses sound as a medium to narrate the story of the ocean, translating the complexity and beauty of marine life into musical experience. Often performing from the deck of a sailboat, Marie-Kell brings her art directly to the natural world that inspires it – the sea.

Marie-Kell de Cannart is a marine biologist, violinist, sailor and dedicated environmental activist whose work bridges ocean science, music and storytelling to raise awareness for marine conservation. She uses her unique combination of scientific expertise and artistic expression to give voice to the ocean and its ecosystems, engaging audiences emotionally and intellectually with the challenges facing our seas. As an active speaker and performer, Marie-Kell has participated in global forums and events that bring together climate action, science communication and advocacy. Her bioacoustic performances — blending violin with the sounds of marine life — highlight the beauty and fragility of underwater worlds, while her activism focuses on pressing issues such as deep-sea mining and ocean protection.

Press

Education

  • 2025–presentPhD in Interdisciplinary Music & Ecology — Royal Conservatoire of Scotland & University of St Andrews
  • 2021Didactic Master in Violin Teaching, distinction — ARTS², École Supérieure des Arts de Mons
  • 2020International Master of Science, Marine Biological Resources, distinction — IMBRSea / Ghent University
  • 2018Specialized Master in Violin Performance — Royal Conservatoire of Brussels
  • 2018Bachelor of Science in General Biology — Université Libre de Bruxelles

Awards

  • Converge Ideas Fund, Scotland (2026)
  • VOCATIO Scholarship (2022)
  • King Baudouin Foundation Scholarship
  • SOA Grantee (2024)
  • Performed at Théâtre du Châtelet & Grand Palais, Paris