Jelena Kuljić, a Serbian singer and actress residing in Munich, opens up about her unique connection to Finnish culture through the term 'kalsarikännit', which relates to a leisurely drink at home in underwear. She tours with her trio performing classics by Duke Ellington and his main collaborator Billy Strayhorn, expressing a deep affection for their music. Kuljić reflects on how the nostalgia and harmonious essence of Ellington's compositions resonate with her as she approaches the milestone of turning fifty this year.

In addition to her singing career, Kuljić is a permanent actress at the Münchner Kammerspiele, a renowned theater over a century old, balancing her performances with various theater productions. This juggling act fuels her artistic output, which she describes as cubist in nature, blending different influences. The orderly and calming aspects of Ellington's music provide her with a structured backdrop amidst her busy schedules, further enhancing her artistic expression.

Kuljić highlights Berlin as the capital of the jazz scene in Germany, frequently performing there after graduating from the Berlin Jazz Institute in 2008. She notes the absence of a vibrant jazz scene in Munich, which motivates her to seek opportunities in Berlin, immersing herself in a more dynamic musical environment and community that thrives on such influential jazz heritage.