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SVIRAJ--the name (pronounced svee-rye,
with a rolled "r") means "Play!" in Serbian
and Croatian--is a group of ethnic Balkan musicians who preserve
their heritage through performances that celebrate the music
of Eastern Europe.
SVIRAJ's performances evoke passion,
fire, sadness, joy, melancholy. The music has its roots in Serbia,
Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Dalmatia & Romania, but it also
flourishes in the tamburitza music among the Balkan communities
of North America. SVIRAJ preserves both traditions because
both nurtured them.
SVIRAJ's repertoire extends from
a Serbian kolo to a Croatian love song, to a Macedonian lesnoto
in 7/8 time, to a whimsical Dalmatian song about the sea, to
a Bosnian song of unrequited love with its clear Turkish influences,
to a lilting waltz from Slovenia, to the rich music of the Banat
region of Romania, and to the dances of the Greek islands. SVIRAJ
has performed together since 1988.
SVIRAJ offers performances, music
for dances, and conducts master classes & seminars about
the music and the culture of the Balkans. The group has two previous
recordings on CD and cassette, and has just released their new
CD, Sviraj Ciganine, available at www.sviraj.com.
The members of SVIRAJ
are life-long friends who grew up together in an ethnically diverse
steel town in Pennsylvania. They learned the music of their culture
and others through many, many performances, jam sessions and
encounters with folk musicians from the ethnic communities in
the United States and the Balkans.
R.E. (RACZAR)
LOPATIC
(Violin, Prim, Vocals) of Croatian and Slovenian descent, is
a former member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. A classically
trained violinist, he has been performing for over 20 years with
groups such as Jorgovan, Trick Bag & Tzigantzi at Epcot Center.
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Sviraj: R.E. (Raczar) Lopatic - Violin, Prim, Vocals
/ Danilo Yanich - Bugarija, Accordion, Vocals / Lenny Tepsich
- Bass, Cello, Vocals
Please note that as of the year 2005, the band's lineup has changed - find the latest info at sviraj.com
LENNY TEPSICH (Bass, Cello, Vocals) of
Serbian and Croatian heritage, has performed for over 20 years.
He has been featured at Balkan music and dance camps and international
folk festivals. Also an accomplished tamburitza cello player,
he adds the counter-melodies that give the music richness and
texture. He also performs regularly as "Mr. Music"
entertaining children of all ages with his original songs written
just for them.
DANILO YANICH (Bugarija, Accordion, Vocals)
of Serbian descent, has performed for over 25 years. A former
music director for the Tomov Folk Dance Ensemble of New York,
he is on the teaching staff of Balkan Music and Dance Camps and
past president of the national board of the East European Folklife
Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy
and has published articles on Balkan politics.
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