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Description
ANGRUSORI is in many ways an audience development project in the service of both Roma music and contemporary improvisation. We aim to breach audience barriers (geographically and socially), at the same time as we work at the highest artistic level within our fields. In addition, Angrusori will effectively profile the exciting idiosyncrasies of – respectfully – representatives from Slovakian Roma music and the Stavanger music scene. The renowned jazz-site All About Jazz proclaimed some time ago, that “Stavanger-based Kitchen Orchestra may be one of Europe''s best-kept secrets”, and this project is such a vital piece in the overall plan to further profile these musicians outside the local scene of Stavanger. For the Roma musicians involved this similarly has the capacity to lift their music outside the Slovakian countryside. And, just to add to that, Angrusori is the start of a long-term collaboration between venues, scenes and musical styles, which is likely to bear fruits for all involved well beyond the project period.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges, including the marginalization and discrimination faced by Romani communities, as well as the need to promote mutual understanding and respect among diverse ethnic groups. By bringing together Norwegian musicians from the ad hoc Kitchen Orchestra, Romani musicians from Slovakia, and singer and multi-instrumentalist Iva Bittová, the project fostered a creative dialogue that highlighted the cultural heritage of Romani people while promoting inclusion and equality through artistic collaboration.
Artistic activities, such as concerts and workshops, served as powerful tools for breaking down stereotypes, strengthening cultural identity, and creating inclusive communities that value diversity. For Romani communities, these activities emphasized their rich cultural heritage, contributing to societal enrichment and greater recognition of their contributions. For non-Romani participants and audiences, the project provided an opportunity to gain insight into Romani culture, fostering empathy and challenging prejudices.
By encouraging collaboration between Romani and non-Romani artists, the project helped establish a sense of equality, where all participants could showcase their talents and skills. This shared creative process not only celebrated diversity but also addressed the social isolation and economic challenges often faced by Romani communities. Ultimately, the project created pathways for greater inclusion, empowerment, and social mobility, contributing to a more equitable and harmonious society.
The project successfully implemented a wide range of activities, combining artistic, academic, and community engagement efforts. Initially, four concert tours were planned—two in Slovakia and two in Norway—but the project expanded significantly. In total, nineteen concerts were performed, including additional performances in England, reaching diverse audiences in various venues. The concerts showcased a universal musical message, resonating across cultural and geographical boundaries.
The creative process began with a preparatory meeting where musicians collaborated to compose new music and coordinate their performances. The project also engaged the general public through singing and music workshops held in both Norway and Slovakia, fostering greater cultural participation and mutual understanding.
Beyond its artistic achievements, the project incorporated an academic dimension. An international scientific conference, Ubuntu, was held in Bratislava, featuring presentations by project participants on musical fusion, and resulted in a published collection of scientific articles. In Stavanger, the Free to Work symposium further explored the academic aspects of the project, with contributions from participants and ongoing preparations for a second publication. These conferences extended the project''s reach, involving academic institutions such as the Faculty of Philosophy at Comenius University and the University of Stavanger. The collaborations established through these academic initiatives continue to flourish beyond the project''s completion.
The Angrusori project achieved significant artistic, cultural, and social outcomes, benefiting musicians, audiences, and the broader music community. The project built on a solid foundation established in 2010, with a well-formed ensemble and an initial repertoire composed by Nils Henrik Asheim and Iva Bittová. These compositions laid the groundwork for the critically acclaimed album Live at Tou, recorded before the pandemic and released in 2021 by Hudson Records. The album received widespread recognition, with The Guardian naming it Album of the Month, and positive reviews in publications such as The Wire, Jazzquad, and Muzikalia. It also won the prestigious Radio_Head Award in Slovakia in the World Music/Folk category.
During the project, the Angrusori ensemble grew artistically and personally through tours, rehearsals, and workshops. The group expanded its repertoire, refining compositions through performance and improvisation. This process not only strengthened the musical output but also fostered unity among the members, fulfilling one of the project’s primary goals—musical and human collaboration.
The project also left a lasting impact on audiences, who experienced a unique blend of Romani and contemporary music. It showcased the transformative power of cultural exchange, reaching listeners across Slovakia, Norway, and England, and bridging diverse cultural traditions. These achievements highlight the project’s success in promoting musical innovation, fostering collaboration, and engaging a wide audience.
Summary of bilateral results
The Angrusori project delivered significant bilateral results, showcasing the strong contribution of the donor project partner, Norway, in fostering cultural, artistic, and academic collaboration between Slovakia and Norway. This partnership exemplified successful cultural exchange and demonstrated how joint initiatives can promote social inclusion, mutual understanding, and innovation in both music and academia.Norwegian partners played a pivotal role in the project’s success. Their expertise in musical fusion and cross-cultural collaboration, led by prominent figures like Nils Henrik Asheim and Petter Frost Fadnes, enriched the project by blending Norwegian musical traditions with Slovak Romani music to create a distinctive fusion. Their involvement facilitated the organization of concerts in Norway and supported academic initiatives, such as the Free to Work symposium, which strengthened ties between Slovak and Norwegian institutions.Main Results at the Bilateral Level1.Cultural Exchange: Deep collaboration between Slovak and Norwegian musicians fostered mutual understanding and resulted in a unique musical fusion presented through concerts in both countries and internationally.2.International Recognition: The critically acclaimed album Live at Tou promoted both Slovak and Norwegian cultures on the global stage, earning praise for its innovative approach to blending musical traditions.3.Academic Cooperation: The project enhanced academic partnerships between the Faculty of Philosophy at Comenius University and the University of Stavanger, facilitating professional dialogue through conferences and symposia focused on musical fusions.4.Support for Romani Culture: The project elevated the visibility of Romani culture, providing a platform for Romani artists to showcase their heritage, fostering inclusion, and challenging stereotypes.