Magic Violin
Magic Violin
About Gundula
Gundula Stojanova Gruen is a virtuoso violinist and singer who has travelled extensively, transcribing melodies that she learned first-hand from Romani and folk musicians. Described by Songlines Magazine as ‘a shining star in the UK’s Balkan music scene’, her unique performance style showcases a technical ability acquired through intensive conservatoire training as well as a colourful and charismatic personality. Her arrangements and compositions, whilst drawing influence from her love and extensive knowledge of Romany Gypsy music, are original and highly personal.
Gundula also is a passionate and highly experienced tutor. She loves teaching children and adults of all ages and abilities, inspiring them with her love of making music, her own hard study to master violin technique, and her wide experience of studying classical, jazz, Romani and folk styles the traditional way.
Gundula Stojanova Gruen is a virtuoso violinist and singer who has travelled extensively, transcribing melodies that she learned first-hand from Romani and folk musicians. Described by Songlines Magazine as ‘a shining star in the UK’s Balkan music scene’, her unique performance style showcases a technical ability acquired through intensive conservatoire training as well as a colourful and charismatic personality. Her arrangements and compositions, whilst drawing influence from her love and extensive knowledge of Romany Gypsy music, are original and highly personal.
Gundula also is a passionate and highly experienced tutor. She loves teaching children and adults of all ages and abilities, inspiring them with her love of making music, her own hard study to master violin technique, and her wide experience of studying classical, jazz, Romani and folk styles the traditional way.
Gruen’s band swirl and flow fascinatingly around her, in obvious thrall to her
fearless and commanding playing.' - Froots
Gruen’s band swirl and flow fascinatingly around her, in obvious thrall to her
fearless and commanding playing.' - Froots
" … most of all I loved her playing and singing: unaffected and full of life… with her musicality and lifelines she is giving out something so precious and important in this muddled world!"
" … most of all I loved her playing and singing: unaffected and full of life… with her musicality and lifelines she is giving out something so precious and important in this muddled world!"
Gundula has also had an extensive academic journey, gaining a distinction in her master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at City University, London. Much of her research was dedicated to Macedonian music, her dissertation focusing on Čoček, a Macedonian Romani music and dance genre, a subject which has never before received any in-depth research. Gundula was then invited to stay on as a visiting lecturer, leading the Balkan Ensemble, a performance module at City University, and as a lecturer for Musicianship.
Gundula has also had an extensive academic journey, gaining a distinction in her master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at City University, London. Much of her research was dedicated to Macedonian music, her dissertation focusing on Čoček, a Macedonian Romani music and dance genre, a subject which has never before received any in-depth research. Gundula was then invited to stay on as a visiting lecturer, leading the Balkan Ensemble, a performance module at City University, and as a lecturer for Musicianship.
As a performer, musical leader, arranger, and composer, Gundula works with her group Tatcho Drom, creating and performing arts projects as well as playing for international events and corporate functions. Her latest performance project, Macedonian Inspirations, showcases the music and dance styles that she encountered on her latest research trip throughout Macedonia, telling the stories of her encounters. Other ongoing performance projects include The Gypsy Soul and Balkan Express. Most recently, Gundula formed the Balkan Village Band, a community ensemble for committed amateurs and semi professional players. She teaches the pieces, leads rehearsals and organises community performances.
Originally from Bavaria, Gundula has achieved an extensive education in classical music. Originally completing a Bmus in violin, she then went on to gain her diploma as a piano tutor at the Konservatorium Augsurg, before achieving a postgraduate degree in jazz in Munich. Alongside this, she extensively studied the Alexander Technique and practiced singing.
Gundula then went on to discover a whole new genre of music in Eastern Europe. Having uncovered a great passion for Romani music, she embarked on numerous field trips to Eastern and South-Eastern regions of Europe, studying and playing music with International Balkan music legends as well as with local folk musicians.
For over 25 years, Gundula has worked as both a performer and a teacher to great acclaim. Her most legendary project being the 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra which she founded and directed for 10 years.Her work has taken her throughout the UK and Europe to festivals, cultural centres and theatres. TV productions include the documentary How Music Works on UK TV’s Channel 4 and a music documentary for TRT (Turkish state television). She has also been a guest and performer on Radio programs for BBC 6, Resonance FM and more.
As a performer, musical leader, arranger, and composer, Gundula works with her group Tatcho Drom, creating and performing arts projects as well as playing for international events and corporate functions. Her latest performance project, Macedonian Inspirations, showcases the music and dance styles that she encountered on her latest research trip throughout Macedonia, telling the stories of her encounters. Other ongoing performance projects include The Gypsy Soul and Balkan Express. Most recently, Gundula formed the Balkan Village Band, a community ensemble for committed amateurs and semi professional players. She teaches the pieces, leads rehearsals and organises community performances.
Originally from Bavaria, Gundula has achieved an extensive education in classical music. Originally completing a Bmus in violin, she then went on to gain her diploma as a piano tutor at the Konservatorium Augsurg, before achieving a postgraduate degree in jazz in Munich. Alongside this, she extensively studied the Alexander Technique and practiced singing.
Gundula then went on to discover a whole new genre of music in Eastern Europe. Having uncovered a great passion for Romani music, she embarked on numerous field trips to Eastern and South-Eastern regions of Europe, studying and playing music with International Balkan music legends as well as with local folk musicians.
For over 25 years, Gundula has worked as both a performer and a teacher to great acclaim. Her most legendary project being the 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra which she founded and directed for 10 years.Her work has taken her throughout the UK and Europe to festivals, cultural centres and theatres. TV productions include the documentary How Music Works on UK TV’s Channel 4 and a music documentary for TRT (Turkish state television). She has also been a guest and performer on Radio programs for BBC 6, Resonance FM and more.
Bavarian-born violinist Gundula could well have been raised in the Balkans, for her playing imparts the true soul of Gypsy music, full of colour and passion, an explosion of energy…”
Bavarian-born violinist Gundula could well have been raised in the Balkans, for her playing imparts the true soul of Gypsy music, full of colour and passion, an explosion of energy…”
“Her energy is contagious and that carried across the audience tonight"
“Her energy is contagious and that carried across the audience tonight"
©Magic Violin 2020
Photos by tomnewman.me