SANEM KALFA & GEORGE DUMITRIU
Sanem Kalfa – voice, electronics
George Dumitriu – guitar, viola, electronics
Sanem Kalfa & George Dumitriu are poised to embark on the creation of their second musical opus, slated for an autumn 2024 release. This dynamic duo has etched an indelible mark on the European music landscape, celebrated for their idiosyncratic sonic tapestries and their unwavering commitment to unfettered interpretation and spontaneous improvisation within their compositions.
Their musical odyssey traverses a vast spectrum of influences, encompassing the rhythmic allure of Brazilian melodies, the soulful resonance of Turkish and Romanian traditional motifs, the transcendental vistas of post-rock, and the avant-garde realms of contemporary jazz. With a diverse instrumental palette that includes electronica, ethereal vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and the haunting strains of the viola, they weave elegantly simplistic yet profoundly resonant melodies.
The world received a tantalizing glimpse of their latest auditory voyage during the North Sea Round Town Festival on July 2nd, 2023, where they unveiled their nascent musical endeavor. The forthcoming album promises to be a testament to the power of musical brevity, encapsulating poignant and evocative themes that delve into the depths of human emotion. From the throes of disappointment to the fiery pangs of desire, from the abyss of loss to the shadows of fear, and onward to the embrace of acceptance, the balm of reconciliation, and the introspection of reflection—these themes shall be elegantly explored in their forthcoming musical exposition.
Witnessing Sanem Kalfa & George Dumitriu in their live performances is to embark on a transformative journey, where the boundaries of sonic exploration are pushed to unprecedented horizons, beckoning their enraptured audience to realms hitherto unimagined.
Press quotes
the most convincing testimony to the power of the musical voice in the modest form of a duo… their musical empathy carried a concert that moved through deep emotional landscapes ranging from subtle spherical details to expressionistic cries. […] balanced narrative encompassing acoustic and electric sounds, borrowed and original songs, screams and silence, beauty and despair, tradition and renewal. With their dialog with each other, the audience, and the music of the past and the present, Kalfa and Dumitriu’s concert carried an uplifting message that could be the credo of the festival: the musical voice, no matter how it speaks, is able to bring us closer together as human beings.
All About Jazz, Jakob Baekgaard
They make highly surprising and extraordianry exciting music. Their performance showed resourcefulness and overwhelming expressiveness. With voice, strings played in different ways and electronics that deform, loop or decelerate, Kalfa and Dumitriu create their own universe that is magical and impressive, or just moving because of the poetic beauty.
Roland Huguenin, Jazzflits
From the first note, Kalfa gave everything and sang from her soul. Dumitriu is continuously looking for new sounds and new ways of accompanying with guitar as well as viola. Despite the small setup, there was a wall of sound and emotion coming from the stage!
Armand van Wijck, Jazzenzo
Virtuosity combined with extreme dynamics and expression. Complex music that becomes accessible to everyone thanks to the breath taking performance…
Peter Bruyn, Haarlems Dagblad
Kalfa and Dumitriu play something very different. Many are susceptible to the mystery and Kalfa uses that; it fits her well and she feels good performing like that.
Jan Jasper Tamboer, Het Parool
