Lecture: Traditional Romanian-Roma Music in the European Context with Shaun Williams

The Romanian word "Taraf" refers to a group that plays traditional Romanian-Roma music (Lautari music), which is not understood as fixed, but leaves room for improvisation and creativity. The music is a successful mix of archaic and world music sounds that have been passed down orally through generations. Originally from Ohio, Shaun Williams has been living in Bucharest since 2016 and has been nicknamed Jean Americanu by his colleagues from the Lăutari scene. 

The American, who is writing his doctoral thesis on Roma musicians in Romania, plays accordion and cimbalom, has made close friends in the Lăutari music scene. On October 31, 2023, he will take us into the world of Romanian-Roma music with vivid examples and share from his experience.

A project sponsored by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation and in cooperation with the Pop Academy Mannheim, the Romanian Cultural Institute Berlin, Green Hours Jazz & Blues Club Bucharest, the Documentation and Cultural Center of German Sinti and Roma Heidelberg.