Marta Töpferová & Milokraj (CZ/SK)

New music that draws from Czech & Slavic folklore as well as Latin American traditions  

Marta Topferova is one of the most unique singers and songwriters of her generation. Her powerful voice and spirited songs are rooted in traditions ranging from Czech folk music to Latin American folklore, namely from Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina. Marta is also a dynamic musician and plays the four-string cuatro, guitar and hand percussion.

As a Czech immigrant to the United States at a young age, Marta established herself on the New York music scene, where she collaborated with some of the best musicians from the Latin, jazz and classical circles. This experience has forged a unique mix of styles in her work. Some of Marta’s most notable collaborators during her sixteen years in New York City have been harpist Edmar Castañeda, bassist Pedro Giraudo, singer Lucía Pulido, violinist Jenny Scheinman, cellist Erik Friedlander, guitarist Ben Monder, and drummer Adam Cruz.

Marta recently returned to her homeland, the Czech Republic, in order to conceive and launch an ensemble of Czech and Slavic music - Milokraj - meaning "beloved land". The result is a collection of original songs, featuring an all-star Eastern European line up: Slovak violinist Stanislav Palúch, Moldavian cimbalom player Marcel Comendant, Czech guitarist David Dorůžka and Slovak bassist Robert Ragan. Milokraj’s debut CD was funded by the Czech Ministry of Culture as well as Prague’s City Hall, and ranked among the top ten groups on the World Music Charts Europe.

Since its inception, Milokraj developed a new sound, which mixes both Slavic and Latin American styles. Marta’s passion and knowledge of both of these traditions makes her one of the most sought-after proponents of Czech and Latin American folk music, and her projects continue to explore how these musical cultures intersect.

To date, Marta has released seven albums: “Milokraj” (2013 Animal Music), “The Other Shore” (2011 World Village), "Trova" (2009 World Village), "Flor Nocturna" (2006 World Village), "La Marea" (2005 World Village), "Sueño Verde" (2003 Circular Moves) and "Homage to Homeland" (2002 self- produced).

“Topferova sings with an elegant longing in her voice” -- New York Times

“One of the most graceful interpreters of Latin American folk music” -- The Times, London

"Very beautiful songs" -- Robert Browning, World Music Institute, New York

"I am very pleased that there is a project whose goal is to bring Czech and Moravian music into a global context." -- Petr Doruzka, Czech National Radio, Prague

Marta Topferova – vocals & compositions

Stanislav Palúch – violin

Marcel Comendant – cimbalom

David Dorůžka – guitar

Petr Dvorský – bass

Admission seating CZK 300, standing CZK 200. 10% discount for both concerts.  

Band website: www.martatopferova.com