A journey during which the rich eastern Mediterranean traditions and western music elements blend and compose colorful soundscapes using music as their common language. The ensemble creates and performs music with respect to the character of the modal music cultures.
In 2015 Lingua Franca Ensemble was selected among several ensembles from all corners of the world, to participate in the Sharq Taronalari festival/contest held in Uzbekistan, representing Cyprus, Greece and Germany. The committee of the competition awarded Lingua Franca Ensemble with the Soul of Devotees Special Award.
In May 2016 Lingua Franca Ensemble was invited by TedX University of Piraeus (Athens, Greece) in order to present the idea behind the formation of the ensemble as well as to perform live part of the album Ephemera.
Lingua Franca Ensemble is actively involved in music education. Both as an ensemble and as individuals, they conduct workshops and seminars on their field of expertise. All the members of the ensemble are graduates of the Codarts University of the Arts, Rotterdam.
Michalis Cholevas and Michalis Kouloumis are regular teachers of the World Music Department of CODARTS, having as main subject Modal Music of the Eastern Mediterranean cultures.
The album Ephemera is a collection of original compositions that came to life when Giannis, Michalis and Michalis met in Cyprus and formed the Lingua Franca Ensemble. Ruven joined soon after.
The 2018 lineup: Michalis Cholevas on yayli tanbur, tarhu, ney; Michalis Kouloumis on violin; Giannis Koutis on oud, guitar, voice; and Ruven Ruppik on riq, darbuka, frame drums, marimba.
Discography:
Ephemera
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
