The primordial nature of traditional music, the sophistication of classical compositions, the energies of rock music and the purity of Bartók's thinking characterize the Hungarian band Söndörgő, one...
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The primordial nature of traditional music, the sophistication of classical compositions, the energies of rock music and the purity of Bartók's thinking characterize the Hungarian band Söndörgő, one of the most exciting, innovative and successful bands on the international world music scene.
When Söndörgő was formed more than a quarter of a century ago, the members were still children and practically grew up along with the band. Four of the five members are part of the same family of musicians: three brothers (Aaron, Benjamin and Salamon Eredics) and a cousin (David Eredics). Their spiritual backbone is the legendary Vujicsics Ensemble, which has been playing authentic South Slavic folk music for close to fifty years: father and uncle figures, along with other Eredics musicians. Thus, in accordance with Zoltán Kodály’s ideals, the musical education of the members of Söndörgő began nine months before their birth. They are deeply acquainted with the roots of their musical world, even in a scholarly way if necessary (all four Eredics members teach at the Department of Folk Music of the Budapest Academy of Music), but what they are truly interested in is not what traditional music once meant, but what it can mean today and tomorrow.
The year 2024 marked a pivotal turning point in Söndörgő’s artistic journey. The band released the transformative album Gyezz, featuring the internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Chris Potter. The album received widespread critical praise, earning four-star reviews from Jazzwise and Songlines, and reaching #1 on both the World Music Charts Europe and the Songlines Top of the World chart. This artistic momentum culminated in Söndörgő’s 30th anniversary in 2025, highlighted by their appointment as Ensemble of the Season at Müpa Budapest. During this milestone year, the band released the album XXX and toured extensively across Europe and Japan, including a performance at the World Expo in Osaka.
The anniversary celebrations concluded with a sold-out concert at Müpa, the first concert of a three-part curated residency in 2025/2026 reflecting Söndörgő’s core musical identities: Folk, Classical, and Jazz. The series features collaborations with outstanding guest artists including Márta Sebestyén, the Balanescu Quartet, and Michael League, Chris Bullock, and Jay Jennings of Snarky Puppy, showcasing the band’s genre-crossing musical vision. In autumn 2026, Söndörgő will release a selection of recordings from this residency as the live album In Residence at Müpa.
