Composer and saxophonist Maria Faust was awarded a Class IV state decoration by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, in recognition of her outstanding creative work and activities through which she has made a significant contribution to the Estonian state and society. This marks the second major honor Faust has received this week.
A few days earlier, Maria Faust was honored by the Danish state with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog (First Class), officially knighting her. The award was presented during the state visit of the Danish royal couple to Estonia, at a concert where Faust’s music was performed alongside works by Arvo Pärt, Tõnu Kõrvits, and Cyrillus Kreek. The distinction highlights Faust’s significant contribution to the development of cultural relations between Denmark and Estonia, as well as her internationally acclaimed body of work.
Maria Faust is one of Estonia’s most prominent composers and jazz musicians, whose music has received widespread recognition across Europe and internationally.