03.05.23 01:52 PM

Born in Moldova (ex-USSR), September 9th 1960, I grew up in a village bordering the tzigane (gypsy) quarters. My father, a musician and a professional dancer, introduced me to a number of instruments such as the accordion, the balalaika and the pan-flute. Around the age of 5, while attending to a village celebration with my father, I was attracted and charmed by the sound of a violin played by a very amusing Gypsy. The gypsy played with such energy, such a passion, I was overwhelmed!

The violinist also happened to be a close neighbor. I frequently visited him and just like any other child in the house, I learned to play the violin through oral traditions. The gypsy maestro quickly became my teacher and left forever an impression that still can be heard today in my way of playing. With time, I discovered the immense possibilities of this instrument. I knew I could express with my violin, any emotions I felt.

A few years later I pursue my passion by enrolling in music school and taking up classical music studies. Alongside my close circle of musicians, at ten years old, I give my first performances at local celebrations, marriages and private parties. This considerable training coupled with the remarkable skills I had developed as a performer, paved the way to the Conservatory of Kishinev, capital city of Moldova.

click

Later, at 22, the compulsory military service of my country would lead me to join one of the Red Army's orchestras as an experienced violinist. Later at 24, I passed with flying colors audition, and become a violinist in the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Moldova "Jok" in which, from time to time, I am asked to perform as solo violin.

My career soars soon after. On many occasions, I am invited to join various orchestras that are called upon to perform at national celebrations and major events. At times, I play with internationally renowned musicians. At this point of my artistic career, I make many television and radio appearances, as well as a series of musical recordings and video productions. Before coming to Canada, I toured extensively, stopping over in places such as England, Italy, Czech-Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ex-Yugoslavia, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, and Mauritius. Since my arrival in Montreal in 1991, I have been enjoying an international career, constantly performing in many Canadian and American cities such as Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Winnipeg, New York, Chicago and many others. Overseas, I went on tour in France and in Japan, (4 years in a row).

click

Quickly after my arrival, I was noticed by someone from the television industry and appeared as a guess star on CBC Television, (our National coast to coast television network). Many television appearances followed this first one and my popularity grew quickly. In October1999, my carrier kicks off with a recording entitled Gypsy Passion, followed one year later by a second recording, Gypsy Passion II: Romance. More recently, during the spring of 2003, I produced under my own label, Scala Disc, my third album entitled Sergeï Trofanov and his Ensemble, all in a Gypsy fashion!

All the repertoire I played over the years must come together. Because of my roots and of the traditional oral teaching I received, because of these numerous trips all over the world and the many influences from all the different rhythms, I play today with the greatest pleasure, always in a gypsy fashion.

click