Mare Malvīne Īstenā is a violinist with the United Soloists Orchestra.
She began her musical studies at the Salacgrīva Music School (2013–2022) while completing secondary education through the distance-learning program at Riga Commerce School. In 2022 she moved to Italy to study at the Conservatorio Luigi Canepa di Sassari with professor Eva Bindere, and since 2024 she has continued her studies at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana with Maestro Pavel Berman.
Her career includes performances in major European venues such as Vidzeme Concert Hall in Cēsis, Sibeliushall in Lahti, Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki, Stockholm Konserthuset, and the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. She has collaborated with Orkester Norden, the 13th International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra, and the Lugano Chamber Orchestra.
Alongside formal training, she has taken part in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists including E. Bindere, P. Berman, D. Früwirth, D. Bogdanovich, M. Quarta, P. Šūmane, and E. Epstein.
Her talent has been recognized in numerous international competitions: first prize at the "Small A. Dombrovska Competition" (2015 and 2018), first prize at the "K.F. Amenda International String Instrument Competition" (2019), Grand Prix at the international competition "Day with Lithuanian Music" in Kaunas (2019), along with notable placements in Sigulda, Bolderāja, and the JSFest competition in Finland.