Ivo Papazov--Yuri Yunakov (Special Event)

World Class Romani Musicians For the first time in 12 years world class Romani clarinetist Ivo Papazov and saxophonist Yuri Yunakov are performing together. They will be joined by Nesho Neshev on accordion, Salif Ali ("Sasho") on drum set, and Carol Silverman on vocals. Their ensemble performs Romani (Gypsy) music from the Balkan countries of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey--music renowned for haunting melodies, complex rhythms, and stunning improvisations. The geographical position of the Balkans and hundreds of years of Ottoman Turkish rule have created a wealth of influences from both East and West. They play in a contemporary style called "wedding music", aptly named for its ubiquitous presence at life cycle celebrations such as weddings, baptisms, and circumcisions where dancing and music are a requirement.The Ensemble will present both instrumental and vocal music from contrasting regions of the Balkans performed in the Bulgarian and Romani languages. Songs express the experiences of village and urban living and the joys and sorrows of life among Roma. The repertoire highlights the popular dance form "kjuchek", and songs reflecting the marginalization of Roma from mainstream society.The leading members of the ensemble, Yuri, Ivo, Nesho, and Salif, have played together since the 1970's. Carol Silverman (vocals) has been involved with Balkan and Romani music and culture for over twenty years as a researcher, teacher, and performer, and teaches Balkan music nationally.This event is co-sponsored by the World Music and Dance Institute.