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

On the occasion of World Romani Language Day, acclaimed composer and musicologist Imer Traja Brizani, a doctoral researcher in musicology and Romani studies, will perform with his ensemble Amala. The concert is also dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of his late father and mentor, Uka Brizani, a composer, conductor and founder of the Radio Priština Popular Orchestra. It further commemorates 53 years of Imer Traja Brizani’s professional career, including 46 years of artistic work in Slovenia. He has also collaborated with Cankarjev dom on a variety of projects for 26 years.

The event will also serve as the centrepiece of the anniversary vinyl release Amala 30, marking three decades of the ensemble’s work. The record was released in collaboration with Nika Records.

The concert programme features Brizani’s original compositions alongside Romani classics in his distinctive arrangements. Flute, clarinets, cello, saxophones and ethnic percussion intertwine with jazz-fusion grooves, Latin rhythms and flamenco influences. Amala will be joined by a vocal ensemble comprising Mateja Zwitter, Ivana Honsič, Jana Gamsar, Miha Vanič and Petra Prebanda. The evening’s special guest will be Oto Pestner, alongside other distinguished musicians with established international careers. Violeta Tomić will interpret selected texts, trace the artistic journey of the Brizani family and present research perspectives on the Arli dialect of the Romani language.

Through works including Suite Romani, My Gypsy Heart, Loli phabaj, Dudum, Ciganska kri, Čhajorije šukarije and Gjelem gjelem, the concert brings together Romani musical heritage, original compositions and diverse European 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