Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Romania

Genre

:

Opera

 

Taraf de Haïdouks is a Romanian ensemble that has gained international recognition for their unique blend of traditional Romanian music with a modern twist. The group was founded in 1989 in the village of Clejani, Romania, by a group of musicians who had been playing together for years. The ensemble's name, Taraf de Haïdouks, translates to "Band of Outlaws," which is a nod to the group's origins as a group of musicians who played at weddings and other celebrations in their village. The founding members of Taraf de Haïdouks were Nicolae Neacșu, Gheorghe Căldăraru, Dumitru Baicu, and Marin Manole. These musicians were all from the village of Clejani and had been playing together for years before forming the ensemble. They were joined by other musicians from the village, including Ion Manole, Constantin Sandu, and Dumitru Ivancea, among others. The ensemble's music is rooted in the traditional Romanian music of the region, which is characterized by its use of the violin, accordion, cimbalom, and double bass. The group's music is also heavily influenced by the Roma (Gypsy) music of the region, which is known for its lively rhythms and virtuosic playing. Taraf de Haïdouks gained international recognition in the mid-1990s when they were discovered by Belgian musician and producer Stéphane Karo. Karo was traveling through Romania in search of traditional music when he stumbled upon the group playing at a wedding in Clejani. He was immediately struck by their talent and began recording their music. In 1991, Taraf de Haïdouks released their first album, Musique des Tsiganes de Roumanie, which was a collection of traditional Romanian and Roma music. The album was a critical success and helped to introduce the group to a wider audience. Over the years, Taraf de Haïdouks has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. They have also collaborated with a number of well-known musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet, and Taraf de Metropulitana. In addition to their live performances, Taraf de Haïdouks has also released a number of albums, including Dumbala Dumba, which was produced by British musician and producer Adrian Sherwood. The album was a departure from the group's traditional sound and featured a more experimental approach to their music. Taraf de Haïdouks has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Best Group in 2002 and the Womex Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2015. They have also been featured in a number of documentaries, including the 1991 film Latcho Drom and the 2001 film The Time of the Gypsies. Despite their international success, Taraf de Haïdouks remains rooted in their traditional Romanian and Roma music. They continue to perform at weddings and other celebrations in their village of Clejani, and they have become ambassadors for the music of their region. Their music is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Romania and the Roma people, and their unique blend of traditional and modern influences has made them one of the most beloved ensembles in the world of classical music.

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