Concert | Odpoczno [POL]; Balkan Taksim [ROU] | Festival Stage

About

The Festival Stage is a space where tradition seamlessly blends with modernity, where the power of unity gracefully dances with individual flair and where the spirit of togetherness harmonises with creativity. The groups gracing the stage on Sunday evening epitomise this beautiful amalgamation. 

One such group is the Odpoczno ensemble, a collective of individuals with diverse musical backgrounds, passions, and visions on how to express the traditional Polish village heritage in a contemporary language. The foundation of their music lies in the traditional melodies from the Opoczno region, which they skillfully combine with new sounds. This intricate mosaic was not created overnight; it is the result of numerous experiments and a dedicated search for the right effects to create a cohesive whole while genuinely exploring tradition. The musicians allowed themselves time for these explorations, employing a trial-and-error approach, immersing themselves in the Opoczno folklore, and remaining open to its reinterpretation. The sound of traditional violin melodies, played by Marcin Lorenec, intertwines with the guitar sounds of Marek Kądziel and the percussion of Piotr Gwadera. Joanna Szczęsnowicz’s vocals, accompanied by distinctive electronic effects, add a unique touch to their performance. 

Adding to the excitement of Sunday’s stage lineup is the Romanian group, Balkan Taksim. Sașa-Liviu Stoianovici, a talented multi-instrumentalist, and Alin Zăbrăuțeanu, an electronic artist, draw inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the Balkans. Their inspirations encompass a wide range of traditions, including Serbian, Macedonian, Bulgarian, Albanian, Turkish, and Aromanian tunes.Sașa-Liviu travelled through various corners of the Balkans, connecting with local instrumentalists and singers. He explored the Botoșani region, recording songs and stories of the Aromanians, and ventured to Anatolia, where he discovered the Turkish saz. Balkan Taksim’s music sometimes preserves the original lyrics and parts of melodies, while at other times it builds on the raw sounds of traditional instruments. These foundations are then rearranged and transformed through the use of electronic effects, combined with the distinctive vocals of the singer. The result is a captivating musical experience that offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse musical landscape of the Balkans and its neighbouring regions.

Details

When: 20 August (Sunday), 19.30
Where: Festival Stage, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free