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Gerdan

Music / Sound, Performance

Gerdan’s musicians have been acknowledged for
their technique and exquisite musical presentations performing an exciting Ukrainian and Eastern European music repertoire. They reveal their passion for traditional music in their artistic expression to build cultural bridges in time and distance.

About the Artist

Gerdan - Kaleidoscope of World Music is a professional music ensemble based in Washington DC metropolitan area. The ensemble is named after Gerdan, a multi-colored, intricately woven beaded necklace from Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine. Like this dazzling and exquisite necklace of different colors and shapes, musicians create original arrangements of traditional Ukrainian and Eastern European  folk melodies and rhythms that reflect their passion for blending the old with the new, in a style that is fresh, lively, and beautiful. Founded by Ukrainian professional duo Dr. Solomia Gorokhivska and Grammy- winning artist Dr. Andrei Pidkivka, musicians of Gerdan bring the fire and the edge of melodic ideas and rhythms that capture the listener. The exclusive collection of the Ukrainian authentic flutes in combination with other traditional and modern instruments create unforgettable musical experience. Gerdan’s musicians have been acknowledged for their technique and exquisite musical presentations performing an exciting Eastern European music repertoire. They reveal their passion for traditional music in their artistic expression to build cultural bridges in time and distance.

Artist's Statement

Gerdan’s recent performances include collaboration with National Symphony Orchestra at The Anthem , Kennedy Center,  DC Mayor Arts Awards at Capital Turnaround, Fairfax Town Hall Concert Series in VA, Montgomery College and McDaniel College in MD,  Slippery Rock University and Johnstown Slavic Festival  in PA, Miami History Museum and  Broward Center for the Arts in Fl,  Maryland National Folk Festival, Hill Center in DC, Strathmore Theater, Avalon Theater and Sandy Spring Museum in MD,  IMF and World Bank in DC, Embassy of Ukraine, Embassy of Bulgaria, Embassy of Slovakia, Embassy of Austria.   In addition to performances, workshops are available for audiences ranging from general audiences to elementary schools to graduate music seminars. Schools- each program is individually tailored to target Elementary, Middle, and High School students. It is educational and interactive: students participate in singing and dance. Universities and Colleges - engage students directly with performers in an advance workshop that focuses on the music, instruments, and dance history of each country in Eastern Europe and Latin America. We explain performance practice that was passed down from generation to generation and different music genre. Every detail will be accompanied with music examples and dance steps. Libraries and Museums - programs are designed for youth and adults. The purpose is to engage the local community into the rich folk art of Eastern Europe.  Week-Long Residencies - are designed for multiple school districts in the same geographic area to benefit from our educational workshops. A family concert at the end of the week can be arranged where children and parents are invited to experience the full performance together.  

Featured Work

Photos

Videos

Booking

Booking Price: $2,001-$5,000

Gerdan offers performances as:
Duo ( Violin/Ethnic Flutes)
Trio with (Violin/Ethnic Flutes/Guitar or Violin/Ethnic Flutes/Accordion
Quartet ( Violin/Ethnic flutes/Guitar/Double Bass or Violin/Ethnic Flutes/Accordion/Double Bass)
Quintet ( Violin/Ethnic flutes/Guitar/Double Bass/Percussion)
Sextet ( Violin/Ethnic flutes/Guitar/Accordion/ Double Bass/Percussion)
Gerdan Musicians plus 2-4 Professional Dancers
Also, Gerdan is available for Workshops and Residencies:
Traditional Music of Ukraine
Topics covered:
· Ukrainian music and culture among Eastern European musical traditions.
· Instrument construction and performance.
· Instrumental music and songs from Ukraine and Eastern Europe:
vocal techniques and styling, as well as the cultural settings.
The level of detail can be varied with the audience.
· Dance workshop is available if dancers are part of the booking.
This workshop is available either as a single one-hour presentation or as an extended multi-session residency culminating in a group performance.

The booking price depends on the amount of the performers involved in performances and workshops.

Gerdan has experience to perform on different stages, acoustically and amplified. The group does not have special requirements for the flooring or stage dimensions as long as a performing spot can fit the number of musicians performing with their instruments and sound equipment if any is arranged. The group would like to have a room close to the stage where musicians can change into concert clothes, store their instrument cases, warm up and rest before the performance. If outdoor performance, musicians need to perform under cover in order to be protected from straight sun or rain. If dancers are involved in performance, the dancing floor coverage is needed.

Gerdan does not have any special lighting requirements as long as it is enough light to see the fellow musicians, instruments and music on stands during the performance.
The sound amplification requirements depend on the size of a performing venue, number of people in the audience and number of Gerdan’s performers on stage. There are some venues where group can go completely acoustically.

The Gerdan’s basic requirements regarding amplification are:

a)Duo: 2 microphones on stands,
b) Trio with accordion or guitar: 3 instrumental microphones on stands, 2 vocal microphones on stand, 1 backless bar type stool on stage for guitarist, direct box for guitar with reverb and monitor.
c) Quartet: 4 instrumental microphones, 2 vocal microphones, microphone for string bass should be on boom or short mic stand as to stand about 2 feet off ground, 2 bar type stools.
d) Quintet: 5 instrumental microphones, 2 vocal microphones, microphone for string bass should be on boom or short mic stand as to stand about 2 feet off ground, 2 bar type stools.
e) Sextet: 6 instrumental microphones, 2 vocal microphones, microphone for string bass should be on boom or short mic stand as to stand about 2 feet off ground, 2 bar type stools.

As a minimum, all microphones should at least of the quality of Shure SM58.
Shure Sm 58 or Shure Sm57 microphones are preferred, however any brand of good quality mics, such as Shure, Audio Technica, AKG, high end stage mics, are acceptable.
Microphone for flutes should have a wind screen or pop screen.
If electric violin is used in the program- XLR cable is needed.
The group needs at least two monitors on stage.
The mixer should have reverb or an effects system of some sort.

Usually the presenter provides the main sound system. Sometimes when the venue does not exceed 70-120 people Gerdan can provide own sound system for additional fee.

Gerdan is willing to travel without any restrictions as long as the budget covers travel expense.

Busy Graham (Carpe Diem Arts) busygraham@carpediemarts.org phone: 301-466-0183
Nancy Salmon (Penn Alps Concert Series) nmsalmon@gmail.com