Söndörgő XXX [MP3 Download]

“To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are releasing a special album. Capturing three decades of music, we’ve decided not only to include our old favorites, but also to add brand-new songs. The album features four new studio recordings.

We’ve also included a live version of the song Híd from our recent album Gyezz, recorded in November 2024 at Eiffel Art Studios in Budapest. You’ll find a well-known old favorite, Tonci, performed live at our 15th anniversary concert in Budapest—a moment that fondly remembers the beautiful voice of Kátya Tompos.

Some tracks have been re-recorded. For example, Voje Sasa appears in its latest concert version, and we’ve revisited Majka Kceru with a fresh take.

This album reflects the joys and sorrows of our 30-year journey. It looks ahead with hope while honoring the past. We hope you enjoy it—every note was made with love.” - Söndörgő

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. Their first albums spoke more strongly about what they can absorb from these traditions. In the 2010 record Lost Music of the Balkans, which has been distributed in over 60 countries a new approach can be felt. From that time onwards they are more interested in what they can add to tradition. Their 2019 album, Eight 8 Eight, is already a world beyond genres: the genre here is Söndörgő itself. 

The year 2024 marked a pivotal turning point for the band, ushering in a new era of growth and creative exploration. With the signing of a groundbreaking record deal with esteemed label GroundUp Music, the band set the stage for the much-anticipated release of their transformative album "Gyezz" in the summer of the same year, featuring the illustrious jazz saxophonist Chris Potter.

In 2025, Söndörgő celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special season marking this milestone. To commemorate the occasion, the band is releasing a compilation album featuring some of the most memorable pieces from the past three decades, alongside brand-new compositions. In Hungary, the band has been given a prestigious role: Müpa has selected them as the Ensemble of the Season, ensuring multiple performances at this renowned venue.

The 30th anniversary is not just a milestone for Söndörgő—it’s a moment of renewed energy, reaffirming the band’s commitment to reimagining South Slavic and Balkan musical traditions in a contemporary way.

Timeline:
First Single Release Date: 4/25/2025 - from Hungary
Second Single Release Date: 6/27/2025 - J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, Variation 1
Third Single Release Date: 8/8/2025 - Tonči (Live)
Album Release Date: 9/5/2025