BERKELEY, CA – Ellie Falaris Ganelin, gifted musician and director of Kombos Collective (formerly Greek Chamber Music Project), shared an update with The National Herald about her upcoming projects and a new grant.

“This past month I’ve been immersed in my newest arranging and recording project, called Vardari, which will premiere in fall 2025,” Ganelin said via email. “It’s an exploration of shared Balkan melodies, celebrating the interconnected musical traditions of the Balkan region with a focus on the Hellenic world. The pieces will feature original arrangements for a world-chamber ensemble, exploring Balkan music through multiple languages and reflecting the region’s diverse cultural history.”

“Since March, I’ve been taking voice lessons focusing on Balkan music techniques,” Ganelin continued. “On top of researching repertoire, arranging scores and playing flute, I will be singing in a number of languages. It’s an ambitious project that’s also bringing me a lot of joy.”

“In support of Vardari, I’ve been awarded a grant from my fiscal sponsor InterMusic SF as part of its Musical Grant Program,” Ganelin said. “Vardari is one of 22 projects awarded this year, including performances, commissions, recordings, and more. I’m so grateful for their support of small ensemble music in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Ganelin also noted that concert performances of ‘Uproot’ are coming to Cincinnati on November 8 and Baltimore on November 10. Further details will be coming soon.

More information is available online: https://kombosmusic.com.

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Instagram: @komboscollective

Donate online: https://shorturl.at/WV1BT.