Workshops
Evangelos Tsaganos
Evangelos Tsaganos was born in 1976 in Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia (Greece). His first dance steps were made in the city of Lamia (Roumeli) where he also spent his childhood years.
He gave his first lessons as a greek folk dance instructor in the city of Serres (East Macedonia) in 1997, while studying in the same University Physical Education with specialty in Greek Folk Dancing. Since then, after personal research and record keeping, he has been teaching Greek Folk Dancing not only in dancing groups, but also in seminars and conferences throughout Greece and abroad (Germany, France, Belgium, Australia, Italy etc.).
He has also participated in many scientific meetings and conferences, having presented projects with practical and theoretical approach.
Finally, he is a self-experienced musician in greek traditional percussion instruments (touberleki, ntefi, ntaouli) and he participates in various music groups performing in concerts and parties throughout Greece and abroad.
Dominike Karantzounis (Romanian)
Romania has no less than 80 different Romanian dance, music and costume styles. Dominike Karantzounis provides a glimpse into the Romanian 'dance kitchen.
Dominike Karantzounis studied Romanian dance and choreography in Bucharest (Romania). He has graduated at the age of 19 as the youngest and first non-Romanian choreographer. Dominike has been dance leader at International Dance Eindhoven for many years, where he also founded the teen group Ziplamak. He dances a.o. at International Dance Ensemble Paloina: he is also coach and choreographer for this group.
Wijnand Karel (Macedonisch)
"I love the beautiful, modest energy of Macedonian dance," says Wijnand Karel: ,,I am still grateful that Martin Ihns introduced me to Macedonia." Macedonia is special to Wijnand Karel, which is exactly why the experienced dance teacher has specialised in Macedonian dance.
Wijnand Karel graduated from the Rotterdam Dance Academy. After graduating, he danced in the Folkloric Dance Theatre in Amsterdam. Wijnand teaches at the Nova College Haarlem, and the Dospovo dance group in Utrecht as well. He is also the artistic director of Folklor Dansemble Amersfoort.
Singing
Ivo Boswijk
Is Balkan Singing always loud and sharp? Ivo Boswijk doesn’t think so, after all his travels and encounters with composers and conductors from countries such as Bosnia, Bulgaria and Georgia. Ivo uses specific exercises during the vocal warm up that deliver the real folklore sound.
Ivo graduated at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam. He has been the conductor of Slavuj for many years: a choir that sings songs from the Slavic-speaking region and countries around the Black Sea.
In addition, he regularly teaches workshops for choirs, works as an arranger and composer, and plays string instruments in various ensembles.
Bands
Trediki
Trediki - founded in 1993 - accompanies dance classes (mainly Greek and Bulgarian) on dance days, festivals and courses. Over the years there has already worked with, among others, Dick van der Zwan, Eddy Tijssen, Bianca de Jong, Yves Moreau, Martin Ihns and Jaap Leegwater. Trediki's members:
- Okke Alkema - clarinet, saxophone, kaval, vocals
- Bregje Tijman - accordion
- Hans Luijcx - violin
- Simon Willig - percussion
More information: www.trediki.com
And trediki.webklik.nl/page/home
Trio Tirana
Trio Tirana will assemble specifically for the Summer Festival to accompany the lessons of Genci Kastrati. Hans Derksen (accordion), Linny van der Weyden (clarinet) and Wim Zuiderwijk (drums) already worked together in 1999 with Martin Ihns (Albanian) in orchestra ABB (If you only Balkan Band). They released the album "Albania dances and songs" at the same time, with material that Martin Ihns gathered in Albania in 1996.
Zwarte Zee Kwartet (Black Sea Quartet)
The Black Sea Quartet performs during the Balkan dinner (provided by Els Berk and Anja Luijcx).
The four musicians (Ivo Boswijk Erik Wolbers, Marjolein Sprengers and Linny van der Weyden) have a passion for folk music around the Black Sea. They want to move the listener and being struck themselves by a song. Sometimes having their own twist, but always with respect for the source. Melancholic, sad, funny, outrageous: the Black Sea Quartet takes you on a beautiful musical journey.
Sedenka
This orchestra is led by Hans Derksen (accordion). Sedenka (which means ‘gathering’ in Bulgarian) will assemble just for the Summer Festival. Sedenka plays during the ball on Friday night, where Sibylle leads the ball during the evening.
Musicians:
Hans Derksen (accordion + lead), Wim Zuiderwijk (percussion), Hans Luijcx (violin), Ivo Boswijk (strings) and Okke Alkema (clarinet / bass).