Latinobalcanica Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2010 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for exploring the intersection of Latin American and Balkan music. The ensemble is based in New York City and is made up of a diverse group of musicians from different cultural backgrounds. The founding members of Latinobalcanica Ensemble were violinist and composer Eylem Basaldi, accordionist and composer Ismail Butera, and percussionist and composer Engin Kaan Gunaydin. They were later joined by bassist and composer Panagiotis Andreou, guitarist and composer Juancho Herrera, and clarinetist and composer Vasko Dukovski. The ensemble's music is a fusion of traditional Latin American and Balkan music with classical and jazz influences. They use a variety of instruments, including violin, accordion, clarinet, guitar, bass, and percussion, to create a unique sound that is both energetic and soulful. One of the highlights of Latinobalcanica Ensemble's career was their performance at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival in 2012. They were featured in a program called "Global Beat of the Boroughs: NYC's Musical Diversity," which showcased the diverse musical traditions of New York City. The ensemble's performance was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it helped to establish them as one of the leading ensembles in the city's world music scene. In 2013, Latinobalcanica Ensemble released their debut album, "Latinobalcanica," which was met with critical acclaim. The album featured original compositions by the ensemble members, as well as arrangements of traditional Latin American and Balkan music. It showcased the ensemble's unique sound and their ability to seamlessly blend different musical traditions. The ensemble has also been recognized for their contributions to the world music scene. In 2014, they were awarded the Independent Music Award for Best World Beat Album for their second album, "Marooned in Colombia." The album was inspired by the ensemble's travels to Colombia and featured collaborations with local musicians. Latinobalcanica Ensemble has continued to perform and record music, and they have become known for their high-energy live shows. They have performed at venues and festivals around the world, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Istanbul Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to their music, Latinobalcanica Ensemble is also committed to promoting cultural understanding and diversity through their work. They have collaborated with organizations such as the New York City Department of Education to bring their music to schools and to teach students about different cultural traditions. Overall, Latinobalcanica Ensemble is a unique and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world music scene. Their fusion of Latin American and Balkan music has created a sound that is both fresh and timeless, and their commitment to promoting cultural understanding and diversity has made them an important voice in the global community.

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