Kombos Collective is proud to announce its newest arranging and recording project called Vardari, which will premiere in fall 2025 with public performances and an album release. 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. View press release
On top of researching repertoire, arranging scores and playing flute, Kombos director Ellie Falaris Ganelin will be singing in a number of languages. It’s an ambitious and fulfilling project.
In support of Vardari, Kombos Collective has been awarded grants from the Fleishhacker Foundation, InterMusic SF, and the Elios Charitable Foundation.
The name Vardari comes from nature. It’s the name of northerly winter wind in Thessaloniki, the hometown of Kombos director Ellie Falaris Ganelin’s father. It’s also derived from the Vardar, also known as the Axios River. The Vardar has inspired many Balkan songs in different languages and is a source of both sustenance and inspiration.
The river — like the music — transcends borders.
“The songs I’ve curated could be considered historical greatest hits, melodies that are so magnetic that people adapt and translate them in their respective languages. Vardari confirms what people of this region know in their hearts. The backbone of our collective musical traditions use the same underlying modes: an undercurrent that makes these musics more interconnected than different.”
-Ellie Falaris Ganelin, director
Personnel
Ellie Falaris Ganelin, vocals, flute & arrangements
Christina Walton, violin & backing vocals
J. Maddox, guitar
Joe Belson, bass
Sage Baggott, drumset & percussion
Upcoming Dates
Just announced!
Berkeley Makam Festival // Friday, May 9, 2025
Ashkenaz // 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, Calif.
7:30-8pm Vardari Set with Ellie Ganelin (vox/flute) and J. Maddox (guitar)
Full event runs 5-12pm
Vardari PREMIERE // Saturday, May 31, 2025
Berkeley Finnish Hall // 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley, Calif.
6:30pm doors open
7pm folk dance lesson with Janetta Redžić
7:30pm live music
Sliding scale: $25-10
Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal // Saturday, August 16, 2025
Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, Calif.
8-12pm (set time TBA)
$20 general/$15 students
Album Release // Friday, September 5, 2025
Album officially released on CD, Bandcamp, and streaming platforms