International Folk Dance Association   of University City presents . . .
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A Concert and Dance Party with

Esma Redzhepova and Ansambl Teodosievski

Tuesday, July 14, 1998

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Modern Gypsy music blends thrilling rhythms and both acoustic and electric instruments with emotional lyrics and vocal improvisations. The effect is a powerful, upbeat style of music excellent for parties and dancing. Now the St. Louis community has an opportunity to hear the roots of this new tradition live at a dance party, with music by the Macedonian Gypsy singer Esma Redzhepova and the Ansambl Teodosievski.

Esma Redzhepova, billed as the "Queen of Romani Music", is acclaimed as the most influential Gypsy singer in the world. She was born in Skopje, Macedonia, to a Romani Muslim and Jewish family. She began performing professionally at the age of thirteen, and since then has been the recipient of such prestigious awards as the Star of the Parisian Olympia, Artist of the Yugoslav Republic, and several gold records. She was the first artist to make Gypsy music popular worldwide. Her improvisation skills have been compared to those of Ella Fitzgerald; her voice called "seamless". (Note: "Romani" means "Gypsy" and is what they prefer to call themselves; it has no relation to the country of Romania or the city of Rome.)

During more than three decades the Ansambl Teodosievski has performed over 8000 concerts, 1000 of these to benefit humanitarian causes. The ensemble's international tours include Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, India, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Esma and the Ensemble have performed in five films, and they have appeared regularly on television and radio throughout Europe and the Middle East. After being unable to tour for several years due to the war in the former Yugoslavia, this dynamic group was enthusiastically received by audiences across the U.S. during last year's American tour. This will be their first St. Louis performance. Whether you are a dancer or a fan of world music, this is truly an event not to be missed!

When: Tuesday, July 14 at 8:00 pm

Admission: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For advance reservations send your name, address and phone number with payment to the following address; tickets will be held at the door.

For more on Esma and the ensemble, see the Esma and Ansambl Teodosievski page by the East European Folklife Center, which is featuring the group at its summer Balkan music and dance workshops.

Sponsored by the International Folk Dance Association of University City

Views and opinions expressed on this page are strictly those of the International Folk Dance Association of University City, which is not sponsored by or otherwise connected with Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.