Romani: A Powerful Tribute to Heritage and Survival by the Dallas String Quartet

The Dallas String Quartet has established itself with their skillful reimagining’s of pop hits for strings – a blend of upbeat enthusiasm and versatility on both electric and traditional instruments. With Romani, their first album of entirely original compositions, the quartet reaches new emotional depths.  This project is deeply personal for producer and violist Ion Zanca, as it narrates the harrowing story of the Romani people during World War II—a history that directly touches his own lineage.

The opening track, “Brewing Conflict,” brilliantly captures the tension and impending fear, the music advancing like an unstoppable force toward inevitable catastrophe. “Letters of Pain” is haunting in its execution, with the violin’s mournful tones capturing the helplessness of those unable to save their loved ones. “Key of Heaven,” featuring a poignant solo from Ion, shifts to a gentler, more reflective tone, and serves as a hymn of bittersweet remembrance.  “Sangre Gitana” stands out for its intricate rhythms and lively spirit, providing a counterpoint to the album’s more somber moments. The final track, “Rhapsody for the Romani,” ties the album together, beginning with an intensity that mirrors the opening, before transitioning into moments of unexpected joy and culminating in a energetic celebration of the unyielding spirit of the Romani people.

Romani, a collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, is more than just an album; it is a touching tribute to a culture that has endured unimaginable hardship. The result is a deeply moving, richly textured musical journey that stands as a testament to both sorrow and survival.

Order “Romani: The Untold Story”

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.