Imer Traja Brizani & Amala feat. Oto Pestner: Romani Symphonic Ethno Jazz

In celebration of World Day of Romani Language, Cankarjev dom hosts renowned composer, musicologist, multi-instrumentalist and PhD student in musicology and Romani studies Imer Traja Brizani, accompanied by his band Amala.

Brizani’s body of work represents both a unique musical phenomenon and a remarkable development in the Slovenian music scene. In his distinctive style, he has brought together Romani musical heritage, classical compositional forms and jazz-inspired elements, becoming the first musician in Slovenia to systematically incorporate Romani motifs and idioms into classical, symphonic and jazz music. His scores organically blend classical tradition, jazz, fusion and world music with his own artistic expression, meeting the highest standards of performance and giving rise to a genre that experts have termed ‘Romani symphonic ethno-jazz’. In recognition of his seminal contribution, Brizani has received the National Medal of Merit of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ferenc Sztojka Prize for Lifetime Achievement.

The concert also marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of his late father and teacher, Uka Brizani, a composer, conductor and founder of the Zabavni orkester Radio Prištine (Radio Priština Entertainment Orchestra). The event further celebrates 53 years of Brizani’s life in music, 46 of them in Slovenia. He has collaborated with Cankarjev dom on various projects for 26 years.

The event also marks the release of Amala’s 30th-anniversary vinyl album, Amala trideset let, on Nika Records.

The programme features Brizani’s original compositions and timeless Romani classics in his distinctive arrangements. The concert will bring together the sounds of the flute, clarinets, cello, saxophones and ethnic percussion, combining classical expression with jazz-fusion grooves, Latin percussion and flamenco influences.

The special guest of the evening will be Oto Pestner, alongside performances by other internationally acclaimed musicians. Violeta Tomić will recite selected texts, trace the artistic journey of the Brizani family and explore the Arli dialect of the Romani language.

Through compositions such as Suite Romani, My Gypsy Heart, Loli phabaj, Dudum, Ciganska kri, Čhajorije šukarije and Gjelem gjelem, the concert brings together classical music, Romani heritage and jazz, interwoven with diverse European and global musical traditions.

Performers and Artistic Collaborators

Amala ensemble

Imer Traja Brizani – project director, composer, vocals and bass guitar
Armando Brizani – piano
Uroš Rakovec – acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin
Anja Burnik – flute
Žiga Fabbro – alto and soprano saxophone, clarinet
Tomi Purič – drums, cajón
Bernardo Brizani – cello

Vocal ensemble: Mateja Zwitter, Ivana Honsič, Jana Gamsar, Miha Vanič and Petra Prebanda.

Featured vocalist and special artistic guest: Oto Pestner – vocals

Artistic Guests and Soloists

Lana Trotovšek – internationally acclaimed violinist, guest artist and soloist

Violeta Tomić – interpretation of selected texts; presentation of the Brizani family’s artistic work and rich creative legacy; interpretation of scholarly research on the Arli dialect of the Romani language

Mirsad Dalipi – guest percussionist, specialising in Latin American and world percussion, including the tapan and tarabuka