Duo Moldova & Mahala: Moldavian & Romanian Lautari Music (TWO SHOWS)

Moldavian and Romanian traditional music is known for swift, complex rhythms, musical improvisation, and rich, melodic ornamentation. Traditionally performed by Romani musicians, the Lautari musical style encompasses soul-wrenching ballads, high-energy wedding dances, and village-style tunes. Hailing straight from the source and having been steeped in this tradition from birth, Duo Moldova passionately embodies these traditions, transporting the audience back to the weddings and the summer nights on the porches where the duo grew up. Opening the evening is San Francisco-based group Mahala.
 
FEATURING:
Duo Moldova
Sergei Popa – accordion
Valy Lautar – violin

Mahala
Andrew Cohen – accordion
Annie Cilley – violin
Balder ten Cate – cimbalom
Matt Stein – violin
Travis Hendrix – upright bass
 
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Sergiu Popa (Duo Moldova), born in Chisinau, Moldova, completed his studies at Stefan Neaga College of Music, as well as two years of studies at the Conservatory of Moldova, before emigrating to Canada in 2002. Since a young age, he simultaneously studied traditional folk and Roma styles with his father, Ion Popa, himself a well-recognized accordionist in Moldova. Over many years of playing alongside his father at weddings, he became familiar with Jewish, Turkish, Russian, Serbian, and Bulgarian styles as well. Despite his young age, he is quickly establishing a reputation as one of most brilliant accordionists in Canada today.

Valy Lautar (Duo Moldova) also grew up in Chisinau, where he graduated from the Conservatory of Moldova and collaborated with several Moldavian professional orchestras. He worked for five years as a musician on transatlantic cruise lines before permanently settling in the new world. Lautar currently lives in Montreal, where he collaborates with Popa and many other local musicians. He specializes in a wide array of musical styles, including traditional wedding music from Moldova and other parts of Eastern Europe, as well as classical and “cafe concert” music.

Mahala is a collaborative project bringing together some of the finest musicians from the local Bay Area Balkan music scene. The group performs both traditional as well as original music in the Romanian and Moldavian Lautari style.

 
Time: (First Show) 6:30pm doors / 7:00-8:15pm show
(Second Show) 8:30pm doors / 8:45-10:00pm show
Admission: $20 online / $20-25 door. Ticket availability at the door is limited and contingent on online sales.
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