Ariel Kalma
Obituary
Remembering Ariel Kalma (1946 – 2025)
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Ariel Kalma, who crossed over to the Other Side on 4 June 2025, peacefully in the arms of his beloved son Joël.
Born in Paris in 1947, Ariel Kalma was a pioneer of ambient and new-age music whose creative spirit touched hearts around the world. From his early days playing saxophone and flute in France to his later explorations in tape loops, field recordings and meditation music, Ariel’s life was a lifelong conversation between sound, silence and the soul.
After settling in the Byron region in 1997, Ariel became part of the local rhythm of life. For many years, he found great joy in visiting garage sales across the area, hunting for clothing for his family, toys for his adored grandchildren, and curious treasures for the house and garden. Many also remember him playing saxophone at drum circles at the local markets, where his music wove people together in joy and connection. He and his wife Ama created local independent label Music Mosaic to support independent artists and bring different cultures around the world together.
Despite losing most of his hearing and much vitality to cancers in recent years, Ariel continued to create, collaborate and share his music passionately, knowing that he had very little time left. His dedication, humour, willingness to be silly, gentle presence, and full smile inspired all who knew him.
Ariel will be deeply missed by the love of his life Ama, his beloved son Joël and very loved daughter-in-law Becka, and his cherished grandchildren Locki and Nico; by his many musical collaborators and listeners around the world; and by all those in the community who felt the warmth, wonder, and generosity of his presence.
His light and music will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were touched by his sound and his love. We feel him with us as we hear him play, in the reflective depths of his love for life and the universe.
He wrote this a few years ago,:
I will miss you
The morning dew
The song of birds
The ocean
I will miss you
The wind, the trees,
Rose buds and music notes
I will miss you
This grand son and brother
And my family so close
I will miss you
My companion on the journey
My friend, my wife
I will miss the life
That was so good
Along the years
Along the path
And the sweet perfume of life
- Ariel Kalma (1946 – 2025)
Timeline
1946
July 5th
Birth
Ariel was born
Paris, France
1965
University
Studied information technology
Paris, France
1970
World tour
Ariel played in Salvatore Adamo's band for 3 years
1975
Musical and spiritual search
Ariel traveled to India on a shoestring budget and learned circular breathing. Later he became a member in several spiritual groups in the US, France and India.
He learned about Tantra, was in relationship with Margot Anand and supported her in her workshops.
He learned about Tantra, was in relationship with Margot Anand and supported her in her workshops.
1983
February
Ariel met his soul mate Ama
The angels were singing and the energy was hot ;-)
Hamburg, Germany
1985
March 11th
Dream Wedding
Ariel & Ama made their vows to each other
Haleakala, Maui
1987
September 1st
Birth of his son Joël
Super joyful
Maui, Hawaii
1997
Moving to Australia
Byron Bay Hinterland
1997
Founding of a music label with Ama
Ariel became very productive in creating compilations (music-mosaic.com) and his own albums (ariel-kalma.com). Ama supported him by running the business side of the label.
Mullumbimby, Australia
2015
Tour in USA + Canada
San Francisco, LA, New York, Philadelphia, Vancouver
2018
July
1st solo concert tour in Europe
Amsterdam, The Hague, Paris, Brussels
2019
May
2nd solo concert tour in Europei
Vilnius, Warsaw, Bucharest, Tel Aviv, Milano, Torino, Barcelona, Valencia, London, Berlin, Chieming,
2021
Lung cancer & thymoma diagnosis
Ariel was saved by a wonderful surgeon that his son found in Sydney, giving him the extra time to bond with his grandchildren and complete his legacy.
2022
July
The Last Big Concert
In collaboration with AsaTone.
Bali
2022
August
Ariel lost most of his hearing
2023
Prostate cancer diagnosis
treatment with radiotherapy
2024
Finalizing his legacy
Ariel published 15 new albums in 6 months.
At home
2024
December
Lung cancer reappeared
Treatment with immunotherapy
2025
April
Early dementia diagnosis
2025
June 4th
Ariel passed over
In the arms of his beloved son, sharing his vision of the sky beyond.
Australia
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
Favorites
What was Ariel favorite Travel destination?
Donate
In honor of our beloved Ariel, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was near and dear to their heart. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Ariel by supporting a meaningful cause.
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Ariel embodied throughout their life.
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Ariel embodied throughout their life.
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