ABOUT
Gundula in Short
Gundula Stojanova Gruen is a captivating violinist, vocalist, and ethnomusicologist, driven by a profound passion for the vibrant musical traditions of the Balkans and Romany Gypsy communities. Her journey involves immersive travels throughout Eastern Europe, where she directly engages with local musicians, meticulously transcribing and absorbing their rich musical heritage. This hands-on fieldwork, combined with her rigorous conservatory and university training, forges a distinctive performance style; one that is both, technically masterful and profoundly soul-stirring.
"Gruen’s band swirls and flows fascinatingly
around her, in obvious thrall to her fearless
and commanding playing." - Froots
Gundula's current projects include her recently published book, Balkan Music From the Danube, the dynamic ensemble Magic Violin Trio, her long-standing group, Tatcho Drom, collaborations with storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton and Romany dancer Linda Cremin. She also leads the community ensemble Balkan Village Band for joyful weekly music making and travels regularly for research and performance trips to the Balkans and Turkey.
Gundula's Treasure Trove
For over 25 years, Gundula has garnered acclaim as a soloist and ensemble leader. Her group Tatcho Drom has been a vehicle for artistic innovation, performing at international events and corporate functions. Her unique arrangements, rooted in her deep academic research of Romany Gypsy music, create original and deeply personal musical experiences.
Gundula is a sought-after workshop leader, sharing her extensive knowledge of Balkan music across the UK. She prioritizes ear-based learning, using sheet music only when necessary, fostering a direct connection to the music's oral tradition. Alongside her workshops, she is a dedicated violin tutor, imparting her passion and technical expertise to students of all levels.
As an academic, Gundula has pioneered research into previously unexplored areas. Her Master's thesis at City University focused on Čoček, a Macedonian Romany music and dance genre, significantly contributing to its scholarly understanding. She also lectured at City University for six years, teaching Musicianship and leading the ‘Balkan Ensemble’ performance module.
Originally from Bavaria, Germany, Gundula earned her Bachelor's of Music from the Konservatorium Augsburg in 1993. She has also extensively studied the Alexander Technique and honed her vocal skills. Her commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by her two Master's degrees: one in Jazz from the Konservatorium in Munich (1995) and another in Ethnomusicology from City University, London (2018).
A landmark achievement in Gundula's career is the founding and 10-year directorship of the 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra. Her project Macedonian Inspirations, premiered at Kings Place in 2018, exemplifies her ability to blend research, performance, and storytelling, sharing her experiences and musical discoveries from a research expedition to Macedonia.
Gundula regularly travels throughout the UK and Europe for research and performances, gracing stages at prestigious venues like the South Bank Centre, Canterbury Music Festival, and Halifax Art Centre. Her media appearances include Channel 4's "How Music Works," TRT's "Halkı Kültur, Ayne Müsik," and guest spots on BBC 6 Music and Resonance FM.
The Balkan Academy
Gundula's dedication to Balkan music extends to the Balkan Academy, a platform for exploring and studying Gypsy and folk music from the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
The Academy offers a range of resources, including events, a blog, and workshops for schools and institutions. A key offering is the Balkan Melody Mastery online course, designed for intermediate to advanced players of melodic instruments, which focuses on developing both technical skills and a deep understanding of the music's energy and charisma.
The Academy also hosts online and in-person jam sessions and specialized workshops for chordal instruments and percussion, fostering collaborative music-making.