Sviraj means "play on!" It's often shouted when a musician is playing with special energy and inspiration.


They are one of the most respected and energetic Slavic groups in North America. Three childhood friends from Steelton Pennsylvania -- together for twelve years -- play their music and preserve their heritage by celebrating the music of Eastern Europe.

The music has its roots in Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Dalmatia, Romania, and the Roma (Gypsies). It also flourishes in the tamburitza music of North America's Balkan communities. Sviraj celebrates both traditions because both nurtured them.

The band generously gave a track to Omnium's 1999 benefit compilation Balkans Without Borders (which has contributed over $20,000 so far for Doctors Without Borders). Sviraj's performance at the 2000 Folk Alliance conference inspired Omnium to sign them to a multi-album deal. Following their debut Omnium release Ciganine, they have recorded a live album One To Remember, with an all-star lineup of tamburitza musicians.

Sviraj are:

• Lenny Tepsich (Cello, Bass, Vocals) of Serbian and Croatian heritage, has performed for over 20 years. He has been featured at Balkan music and dance camps and international folk festivals. Also an accomplished tamburitza cello player, he adds the counter-melodies that give the music richness and texture.


• Chris Radanovic (Bass, Vocals) of Serbian descent, has been performing for over 15 years. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Performance from the University of Iowa. He has performed a wide range of genres from classical and musical theater to jazz and popular music.


• Mike "Misko" Furjanic (violin, tamburica, vocals) of Croatian descent, has been performing for over 25 years. As a child, Mike was taught to play the violin by his mother, who instructed him in several eastern European fiddle styles. Mike is currently the music director of Kolo Grupa "Marian" of Steelton, Pa., and he has performed with Croatian folk ensembles throughout the US, Canada, and Croatia.


• Danilo Yanich (Bugarija, Accordion, Vocals) of Serbian descent, has performed for over 25 years. He is on the teaching staff of Balkan Music and Dance Camps and past president of the national board of the East European Folklife Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy and has published articles on Balkan politics. He is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy, University of Delaware.

Press

• "Sviraj plays the bejabbers out of Balkan and East European folk music." -- PhiladelphiaInquirer

Links

• www.sviraj.com


• Tamburitza Association of America


• TamburaWeb


• To learn more about tamburitza music in the US, see this video documentary on thePopovich Family of Chicago atwww.folkstreams.net