Gypsy Soul
цыганская душа
Lead Performers:
Gundula Stojanov Gruen – musical leader, violinist and vocals.
Alexandar Ivanov - accordion, vocals
Jeremy Halliwell - guitar
Fraser Parry - cello, backing vocals
Sass Hoory - percussion
Linda Gjorgeva Toteva - dance
Performers
Gundula Gruen, also known as 'Magic Violin', is a critically acclaimed violin virtuoso and specialist in Eastern European Gypsy music. She has created the show and arranged the pieces. After completing her degree in classical violin, a post-graduate degree in jazz and master classes by Professor Isabella Petrosjan and others, she dedicated her full energy to researching and studying Eastern European Gypsy music. In the past she has performed at art centres and festivals in the UK and throughout Europe, appeared on TV and Radio in the UK, Germany and Turkey. More information at www.magicviolin.co.uk
Linda Gjojgeva Toteva was given a Roma and Traveller’s soul by birth, and a dancing soul into her cradle. Her mum is a Roma from Bulgaria and her dad is an Irish Traveller. Linda herself was born in Sofia in Bulgaria. Due to her dad’s job, they moved around Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Gaza and Germany, where she picked up the traditional dance styles as they went along.
Later, Linda studied in traditional and contemporary dance in Egypt, Bulgaria, Ireland and other places, also completed a Silversmith degree. Nowadays, Linda works as dancer, specialised in Eastern European Roma, Middle Eastern and Balkan styles, as jewellery designer and tutor for jewellery making at Greenwich College, and as Belly dance instructor in Tower Hamlets
