The haïdouti, part-brigands, part-righters of wrongs, reigned supreme in the region of Bulgaria and Macedonia between the 14th and 18th centuries. They robbed the rich and the powerful, then went back to their hiding-place in the depths of the forest... Today, armed with nothing more than musical instruments, the HAÏDOUTI Orkestar has arrived! Presenting a traditional music that is "nostalgic" but also resolutely festive, ready to unleash sometimes frenetic dances under the effect of the local raki, this atypical formation will certainly attract Balkanophiles, lovers of goulash and eau de vie, but also all those who are looking for traditional dances such as kolos, coceks, rachenitsa and kopanitsa. These musicians are also travellers! Since 2002, they have formed their repertoire from the immense musical heritage of Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia ; they have crossed the Black Sea to go to Thrace, the country of Orpheus, as far as the Adriatic, and today present a completely new formation. HAÏDOUTI Orkestar proposes, either in acoustic walkabouts or on stage, an authentic traditional music. Ornamentation, harmonisation and improvisation are all crucial, in the pure Balkan tradition. "Na zdravé", the ball has commenced!...

"The Haïdouti Orkestar is a bunch of pirates united (...) to launch lightening raids of tzigane music, the music shared between Europe and Turkey, a taste of the Ottoman Empire. The group is bringing out a new album (...) where Zéki Ayad''s moving voice rides over the maelstrom of spine-tingling nomad rhythms. The Haïdouti Orkestar's music (...) is made up of jazz, French song, funk and world music which blend into a unique fanfare. Unique because of its ability to revisit gypsy tunes whilst allowing sidetracks into modern music, all this with a rare vitality and complicity." - WORLD

"An orchestra of Balkan Robin Hoods, Haïdouti Orkestar express in their own way their desire to mix and share... Together they play with the upmost skill to tell the story of this diversity, of this blend, and produce music packed full of eastern charm. Through new takes on traditional tunes and their own compositions, the group disturb and intoxicate us with their depiction of a Europe full of heart and intelligence." - Sq - MONDOMIX