SYNTHESIS (Biography)
SYNTHESIS combines the roots of Macedonian folk music heritage with contemporary arrangements, using full range of original Macedonian instruments, like kaval, gaida, zurla, tapan, tarabuka and tambura.
Powerful and explosive, SYNTHESIS is the most exported Macedonian world music project.
The band was established in 1995 for the purpose of carrying out an in-depth pursuit of the outstanding folk music treasures of Macedonia. The name "Synthesis" was chosen to express the concept of the group, which is to combine traditional sounds with contemporary arrangements to create a musical synthesis. Digging deeply into the roots of Macedonian folk heritage, with a serious concern for the basics of traditional compositions, the group has received high praise for breathing new life in this milieu.
The melancholic voyages of Synthesis, with the full emotional power of the heritage and the typical complexity of Macedonian rhythms should not be missed by any Balkan music fan. Macedonia has finally uncovered a contemporary world music project! The group uses the full range of original Macedonian instruments: kaval, gaida, zurla, tapan, tarabuka and tambura. The line-up consists of three young lady singers, skillfully handling the local vocal tradition, of a keyboard player, two percussionists, tambura player and, of course, kaval, gaida or zurla on the front. Special mention has to be made here of the fact that while the majority of the traditional groups in Macedonia are amateurs, this band is made up of professional musicians.
The band has released 5 CDs and one DVD; it features the recorded concert held in Skopje together with the Macedonian Philharmonic on the occasion of the tenth jubilee of the band's existence and with the special appearance of guest performers, the band's musical associates. Two of the band's CDs were re-released by the Spanish publishing House Resistance.
In recognition of the great contribution Synthesis has made for the affirmation of Macedonian music and culture through its numerous concerts all over the world (Japan, Israel, the United States, Italy, France, and many others), in 2006 the Macedonian Chamber of Commerce pronounced the band its Honorary Ambassador of Macedonian Culture.
Synthesis carries on with the treatment of old, forgotten, and sometimes almost never heard songs, which are part of the rich Macedonian musical heritage, which, like Macedonian culture, has a long and enduring tradition.
Source: www.sintezis.com.mk