Founded in the US in 2004 by virtuoso Russian Roma guitarist, dancer and vocalist, Vadim Kolpakov, Via Romen has performed to glowing reviews across North America and has established itself as the continents premier Nuevo Russian-Romany (Gypsy) group. The Romany (Gypsy) musical legacy is most notably characterized by its clever synthesis of known musical genres with the lesser known or unknown. Via Romen is the embodiment of this legacy, of lacing tradition with novelty and offering unprecedented interpretations of that which we already know. Their music and dances, drawn from a vast repertoire originating in Eastern and Western Europe and enriched by jazz, Jewish, and Latino styles, enchant audiences with intricate improvisations, catchy tunes, and flashy footwork.
Despite of being rooted in Russian-Romani tradition, their music is modern, innovative, and fresh. Two of the band members, Vadim Kolpakov and Arkadiy Gips, were part of Madonnas Sticky & Sweet 2008/2009 tour as part of the Kolpakov Trio. Via Romens new CD, My Two Homes, is coming out in 2010. Via Romen band consists of four members Vadim Kolpakov (Russian 7-string guitar, dance and vocal), Arkadiy Gips (violin and back-vocal), Alex Gorodezky (6-string guitar and bass), and Petra Gelbart (vocal, accordion and dance). In addition, Via Romen features dancer and choreographer Marina Shanefelter and a guest artists.
The band is also available for a various occasions such as weddings, corporate events, private parties, bar/bat mitzvahs and other celebrations.
BIOS OF THE GROUP MEMBERS
-Vadim Kolpakov is a virtuoso Russian-Romani (Gypsy) 7-string guitarist, dancer and vocalist. Vadim has performed extensively in Russia and abroad; he has given concerts in Carnegie Hall (New York City) and the Kremlin (Moscow), and has also participated in numerous musical projects on Russian, Canadian, and American television and radio. His musical repertoire includes 19th-century Russian 7-string guitar, Gypsy, Russian, classical, rap, and world music
-Arkadiy Gips (violin, back vocal) is a genuine world-class artist, who has performed with chamber and symphony orchestras and is a laureate of many national and international music competitions. In the U.S. Arkadiy has performed with many noted musicians, playing jazz and country in addition to ethnic and classical styles of music.
-Alex Gorodezky (6-string guitar and bass) is a virtuoso guitar player and composer. His music was featured in many venues from CD-ROM production, to Theater, to CD recording, to various music festivals. He collaborates with Vadim Kolpakov in a guitar duo and was featured in NAMM 2010 conference, representing Kremona guitars.
-Petra Gelbart (accordion, vocal and dance) is a Romany scholar, singer and activist. She is currently finishing a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology at Harvard University. Petra combines the Romani vocal production she learned from her family with elements drawn from more improvisational and popular genres. As a soloist she has performed on many stages in the U.S. and abroad.
-Marina Shanefelter (dancer and choreographer) developed her talent for dance in Estonia. Marina specializes in Flamenco, Salsa, Tango, traditional Latin and Russian-Roma (Gypsy) dances. She has performed in Europe and North America. She currently lives in the US, has been teaching and performed with the Carolinas Latin Dance Company, participated with the Charlotte Salsa Dance Company and Argentinean Tango Society, and created choreography for companies such as Opera Carolina, and others.
Dance with Via Romen !
VIA Romen will bring fire to your special event, no matter the size or location.
The ensemble is available as small as three people and to largest group up to 15 perfrormers including musicians, singers, dancers and speakers with beautiful traditional costumes.
For info and booking, please contact us at: Info@ViaRomen.com or +1 (704) 208-4286
WHO I'D LIKE TO MEET
People interested in Romani (Gypsy), Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Klezmer folk songs, dance and music.
