Cununa Ensemble

Prepare to embark on a musical journey like no other as we introduce you to Cununa Ensemble, a group of extraordinary musicians who come together from diverse backgrounds with training in classical world to weave a tapestry of enchanting folkloric music.

Their unique sound transcends boundaries and effortlessly bridges the rich traditions of Romanian and Turkish folk music, along with other Balkan countries, creating a captivating experience that resonates with the soul.

Through their versatile sound, you'll discover a world of emotions and stories told through their melodies. Their music serves as a vessel through which they share the beauty, history, and traditions of both Romanian and Turkish cultures.

Whether it's the hauntingly beautiful Romanian ballads and dance music or the rhythmic and vibrant Turkish tunes, Cununa Ensemble's performances are a heartfelt expression of their deep connection to their roots.

Just like a wreath (Cununa), the musical styles, colors, songs and interpretations are braid in a one and only flower crown, ready to catch all the senses of the audience.

​

The Cununa Ensemble was founded in the Netherlands and consists of five musicians with different backgrounds and nationalities who share the same passion for music.

​

Mariana Preda (Pan Flute): Mariana Preda is a pan flute musician. Born and raised in Romania, she enrolled at Targoviste music school. She got her Bachelor and Master’s Degree in "Classical Panflute" at the Conservatory of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Mariana has performed in various locations around the world, promoting contemporary and folk music in a different series of ensembles. In addition to performing Mariana is a panflute teacher who is interested in enriching the panflute pedagogy, techniques, and repertoire. She held many masterclasses at institutions around the world including Radford University, Harding University, and Lion
College in USA as well as helding her panflute courses and classes in Amsterdam.

Gabriel Barbalau (double bass): From the age of 10, Gabriel Barbalau studied the cello at the music college "George Enescu" in Bucharest, Romania. However, his great skill on the double bass also made him a member of the state folk ensemble "Ciocarlia" at the age of 19. In this way he became acquainted with the prominent musicians of Romania, as well as with pan flute player Nicolae Pirvu with whom he came to the Netherlands. Here he obtained his diploma for classical double bass at both the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the Sweelinck Conservatory of Amsterdam. Since then he has been active both nationally and internationally in various symphony orchestras, chamber music and world music projects.

Dani Luca (cymbalom): With Dani Luca (1984, Romania), traditional folk and gypsy music were introduced by his father, uncle and grandfather. The attraction especially to the instrument "cimbalom" started at a young age and turned out to have talent (feeling) for this instrument at a very young age. Living in the Netherlands since 1990, Dani started studying cimbalom under the guidance of his father and also regularly received master classes from famous virtuoso Romanian cymbalists, including Giani Lincan. In 2011 Dani Luca obtained his Master degree on classical piano at The Royal conservatory of The Hague. Since 2007 is teaching pupils of all ages at his own Piano School.

Burak Savaş started singing and also playing violin since adolescence. Since 2013, he started to take singing and Tanbur lessons in the Ege University, the State Conservatory of Turkish Music . During this period he participated in many concerts and projects as violin player and singer. He completed his master’s education at Codarts (Rotterdam Conservatory) on Turkish violin. He played with the Kudsi Erguner Ensemble, among others. Currently, he is also teaching Turkish singing at Rotterdam Conservatory.

Alper Kekeç was born in Istambul, Bakirkoy. At young age he studied mandolin, baglama. In 1995 he joined the conservatory of Ege University where he studied tar. Soon after Alper pursuited his career on percussion instruments. He has accompanied most of the Turkish folk singers and played drums and percussion instruments in various styles and he recorded many albums. In 2004 he entered the West-African music section of The Amsterdam Conservatory. Currently is combining teaching percussion at Rotterdam Conservatory and Amsterdam Conservatory with playing in a number of ensembles.