FROM ROMEDIA FOUNDATION
http://romediafoundation.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/vadim-kolpakov-taking-romani-music-from-the-volga-across-the-atlantic/
Born and raised on the banks of the river Volga in Russia, world renowned 7-string guitarist Vadim Kolpakov is one of the most prominent Romani musicians of his generation.
Starting from an early age and inspired by a musical family, his musical journey would take him out of his home town and eventually his home country. Now living in North Carolina, Kolpakov has toured all over the world with many ensembles including the famous “Kolpakov Trio.”
Arguably the pinnacle of his career so far came in 2008 when he toured with Madonna on her “Sticky and Sweet” tour of 2008-09.
The mercurial musician had the generosity to share some of his time to discuss all things Vadim Kolpakov, starting with where it all began.
Vadim recalled “My hometown of Saratov is
in central Russia on the river Volga. My family is still there but I have not
been back since 2009.
“Growing up in a Roma community in the city was OK in general. Just like in Eastern Europe, we suffered from some minor discrimination, things like name calling, but generally it was OK.”
Kolpakov continued, and explained that musical inspiration was never far away in his childhood.
“I was raised in a family who liked to perform. My father would lay the guitar and sing at parties while my mother would dance. Naturally, I started to follow their lead and play the guitar, sing and dance as well. At the time, break dancing was very popular and I was pretty good at it. Rap and hip-hop were also gaining some popularity.”
This was only the very beginning, as his talent and curiosity to learn more would take him to the Russian capital.
Read more on http://romediafoundation.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/vadim-kolpakov-taking-romani-music-from-the-volga-across-the-atlantic/
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