POPELUC:
Traditional music from Transylvania and Britain

Popeluc are
IOAN POP, LUCY CASTLE and PETE CASTLE

POPELUC present a whole spectrum of music ranging from very authentic renditions of the music of Maramures, a county in northern Transylvania, to equally authentic English folk songs. The Transylvanian music is unusual, wild and exciting but, as one reviewer pointed out, underlain by a sense of melancholy and longing. Their repertoire includes music, songs and dances. A few of the songs are sung in English translation but most are either explained or left to speak for themselves. The unique aspect of POPELUC though, is the way in which they switch between and combine the two traditions. Very often this occurs within an item as they put together a medley of music from both countries and in both languages! At other times they limit themselves to as authentic a rendering of one or other tradition as possible. Although primarily a `song and music` group, Popeluc can play for dancing and do dance workshops. They often play in Transylvanian traditional costume, which adds to the visual aspect of the performance. Most important is the fact that the group is equally highly thought of in Romania itself. They have played there to great acclaim and were even paid the compliment of having their first album pirated, which did little for their pockets but plenty for their egos!

IOAN POP:

One of Romania`s most respected and best known traditional musicians who specialises in the music of his home region of Maramures. Although he is in demand throughout Europe and appears regularly on radio and TV, Popica still plays for village weddings and festivities as well. He plays zongora, cetera, braci, doba, sings and dances.

LUCY CASTLE:

Is British but spend time living and playing in Romanian. She has built on an up-bringing in British folk music and a `classical` training to become one of the leading fiddle players of her generation. Romanians don't believe that she isn't Romanian!

PETE CASTLE:

Has been a stalwart of the English folk club and festival circuit for over twenty years, the last 19 of them as a professional performer of traditional songs and ballads. He also works in schools and in the wider community as both musician and storyteller. He has recorded widely and appeared many times on radio and TV. With Popeluc he plays guitar and doba and sings.