Moldavia Calls

Global Folklore on the Edge of Tradition and Experiment (2010–2012)

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Moldavia Calls

Core Ensemble

Anatol Stefanet – Viola

Mark Alban Lotz – Flutes, Bansuri

Paul Pallesen – Electric Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki

Gary Tverdohleb – Drums, Marimba

Guest Musicians (various editions)

Jodi Gilbert (USA) – Vocals

Dorel Burlacu (Moldova, Trigon) – Piano

Gheorghe Postoronca (Moldova, Trigon) – Bass Guitar

Alexandru Arcus (Moldova, Trigon) – Saxophone, Flute, Kaval, Folk Instruments

Moldavia Calls (2010–2012) was a unique encounter between viola virtuoso Anatol Stefanet and flutist Mark Lotz. Together, they brought modernist and free-spirited musicians into a bold and imaginative exploration of ‘Folklore of Now’—where tradition meets contemporary improvisation.

This collaboration fused Ethno-jazz and Moldavian music, bridging the cultural landscapes of Chisinau and Amsterdam. It was an East-meets-West project, where rich folkloric traditions merged with the innovative energy of Dutch new jazz.

The Vision

Anatol Stefanet and Mark Alban Lotz first crossed paths at the Ethno Jazz Festival in Chisinau (2004 & 2006), planting the seed for this collaboration. Inspired by a rapidly evolving Europe, they sought to translate the growing cultural openness between East and West into music.

Moldavia Calls became a European platform for musical exchange, blending Romanian and Moldavian folklore with contemporary Dutch jazz. The result was a vibrant global sound, where traditional and urban influences converged in mutual inspiration.

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Performances & Support

The first edition of Moldavia Calls was made possible by the Dutch ‘Music: World Series’ organization, which supported and joined our efforts. The project saw tours in Holland (2010) and Moldova (2011–2012), performing in diverse settings, including:

Holland Tour: Shows at venues such as KIT (Royal Institute for the Tropics), Korzo Theater, and more.
Moldova Tour: Performances at the Ethno Jazz Festival Chisinau, Martisor Festival Chisinau, and broadcasts for Moldavian Television.

CD Optimistic
Anatol Stefanet recorded four compositions by Lotz and Pallesen on his CD Optimistic. They reinterpreted my compositions with their own ensemble, Trigon and brought something really beautiful to it—have a listen!

Tracks:
Nistru Song (Lotz)
B&B (Lotz)
Chisinau Rules (Lotz)

Press on Moldavia Calls

Volkskrant (The Netherlands):
“Bach with a Balkan Overdrive. An exciting dialogue between Moldavian and Dutch musicians.”

Haarlems Dagblad (The Netherlands)
“Challenge and virtuosity with Moldavia Calls.”

Leids Dagblad (The Netherlands)
“Soundcolour of Moldavia Calls is very clear … . The power of the band lies in the compositions of Stefanet, Pallesen and Lotz – an inspiring mix of Balkan rhythm, Keltic inspired melodies, Indian and Cuban motives.”

Draaiomjeoren (The Netherlands)
“Resulted in an adventurous and interesting mix of Balkan folklore and impro-jazz. This melange tasted very good and longs for more!”