Fieldwork, Knowledge & Publications

BALKAN MUSIC ACADEMY
Gundula's Field Work Travels -
Audio Productions - Writings & Publications -

TRAVEL & FIELDWORK

GUNDULA'S GREAT EURASIAN ROAM: July '26 - Jan '27

In my campervan Ludwig VAN Beethoven through Europe

and the Balkans - lets see how far I get...

Gundula's Great Eurasian Roam Map Updates

What a whirlwind this Eurasian Roam has been so far! Ludwig VAN Beethoven and I have officially checked off 6 countries, 3 majestic mountains, 2 roaring waterfalls, and countless crystal-clear alpine lakes with the freshest water you can possibly imagine. After braving far too many miles of motorway, dodging tolls, and taking in some of the most stunning, jaw-dropping views imaginable, we have officially made our way down the gorgeous Adriatic coast into Croatia! I might be f

Slovenia Unveiled Across Gundula's Great Eurasian Roam 🗺️🚐🌲20th August 2026

Finally, I made my way into the very first uncharted territory of this trip! Yet, entering Slovenia started off with a total lack of fanfare—just a tiny Landesgrenze sign bidding farewell to Austria. The motorway rolled on, immaculate and pristine, flanked by mountains that remained breathtakingly majestic 🏔️✨ Majestic mountains ... breath taking Then came my first real driving scare of the voyage. The skies suddenly ripped open, unleashing a torrential downpour as if heaven

Gundula's Great Eurasian Roam: Pedalling Past Mozart and Mountains 🎶🏰

I feel like I'm lingering a little too long in the "Euro" chapter of this journey, itching to push forward toward the Asian horizon! 🌍✨ However, there are soooo many kilometres to cover. In addition, a veritable mountain of paperwork has accumulated that feels steeper than climbing any of my alpine mountain peaks 🏔️ of the few days—only without the view 🧗‍♀️. Along the way, I uncovered a major cultural and infrastructural gap between the UK and Germany/Austria: finding a c

Gundula’s Great Eurasian Roam: Mountain Magic & Secrets for in the Aps (13th–14th August) 🏔️🥾✨

This period follows a cherished ritual we’ve tried to complete annually for more than 20 years: a multi-day mountain hiking tour, trekking from hut to summit, peak to peak, for around five glorious days 🧗‍♀️🌲. This tradition is a wonderful leftover from when I still lived in Germany, back when we tackled mountain trails several times a year. Miraculously, we still manage to make it happen more than half the time! Over the years, we have covered vast stretches of the German

Gundula’s Great Eurasian Roam: Healing Woods & Magical Violin Practice 🌲🎻✨

Finally, I’ve finished the most necessary family visiting duties and kept them short enough that everyone stayed happy, alive, and smiling! 😄🏡 Now, I can truly indulge in what I love most—something deeply healing, empowering, and sooooo satisfying: practicing my violin out in the wild woods 🌳🎶. Years ago, while preparing for my final exam at the Leopold Mozart Konservatorium, I spent day in, day out practicing in the forests 🎻. With six to eight hours of daily practice a

When Locked Down, we can Travel the World

A musical cyber travel from Hungary to Macedonia in 2020

More Magic from Macedonia - 2016-2018:

Summer, winter, music and research

Discover Šuto Orizari in 2016

The Romany towen outside Skopije with Gypsy Romany culture from Aprils Fools Day to weddings.

Magic Balkan Travel 2015

Follow me from Bulgaria to Albania - lots of new territory and music to discover

Magic Travel 2014

Follow my culture trip from Vienna to the heart of Romania

GUNDULA'S AUDIO PRODUCTIONS

THE DEVILS'S LENTIL SOUP

Album by Tatcho Drom, produced by Magic Violin - MORE INFO

WITH APFELSTRUDEL & TURKISH COFFEE

EP by the Magic Violin Trio, produced by Magic Violin - MORE INFO

GUNDULA'S WRITINGS & PUBLICATIONS

Gypsy Music Collection - book & mp3 download:

64/61 pieces from Eastern Europe and the Balkans, collected and notated by Gundula Stojanova Gruen - book with sheet music and audio download - MORE INFO HERE

Balkan Music from the Danube with Ottoman Influences - book & mp3 download:

29 pieces from the the origin to the black sea, collected, arranged and notated by Gundula - MORE INFO HERE

Understanding Čoček:

An Historical, Musical and Sociological Exploration.
MA Dissertation by Gundula Stojanova Gruen, August 2018

Female Musicians in Šuto Orizari:

Essay by Gundula Stojanova Gruen, May 2017

BALKAN MUSIC ACADEMY Gundula's Field Work Travels - Audio Productions - Writings & Publications -