Alar Karis trained as a molecular geneticist and developmental biologist, and after a distinguished academic career became director of the Estonian National Museum. In October 2021 he was elected as the sixth president of Estonia. Travelling for work, he listens to classical music and subscribes to BBC Music Magazine and Gramophone for recommendations.
My parents encouraged me to play piano and violin, and my mother especially was keen to take me to musical events, including the opera. I, and the old ladies behind me said, ‘Why do the parents bring this young boy to the opera? He doesn’t understand a thing.’ They were probably right, but I did cry at the end and I remember trying to copy the arias at home.
