Andrea Gerak (Gerák, pronounced "ghe-raakh") - Singer & Dancer
In many corners of the world, the name and of course, first of all the voice of Andrea Gerak equals Hungarian folk song. While staying true to her roots, she takes the listener to other lands too, let it be Bulgaria, Turkey, the Solomon Islands or Ireland. Traditional, world fusion or acapella interpretations: the singer with an unmistakable voice (often mentioned as the enigmatic Hungarian female voice) performs solo, in duos and accompanied by a full band, with some of the greatest musicians of Hungary, as well as with international artists.
Biography:
Born on Ozd, grew up in Kazincbarcika (both in Northern Hungary, Borsod county), Andrea Gerak had her first stage performance at the age of 5. From a few years later on, she has been a member of several folklore groups, in the Borsod, Avas, Csepel and the legendary Bartok dance ensembles where she was often the soloist as a singer or dancer. You can see her dancing in the Golden Bear awarded movie Music Box by Constantinos Costa-Gavras.
After years of being first of all a mom and a wife, and searching for her path, wandering about in many countries, Andrea Gerak continued her career on a new level from the recent years.
She performed in most of Europe at festivals, clubs, exhibition openings, churches, private, corporate and community events, benefits.
In the beginning of 2008, the artist had to undergo a cancer surgery, but a few weeks later she was already back on stage.
A few references:
1989: Music Box (R. Costa-Gavras, dancing)
2006: Eskilstuna, Sweden's National Holiday (SE)
Norrtälje World Music Festival (SE)
Brugges Festival, featured performer with traditional Hungarian folk band Barozda (BE)
2007: Celebration of Hungarian Jazz, Budapest Jazz Club, with the Transylvanian band Fabatka
Budapest, corporate event at the Parliament (HU)
2008: Stockholm, Italian Cultural Centre, Womens' Day Gala, organized by 3 embassies (SE)
2009: Borsod Art Festival (HU)
Malmö, Road To Copenhagen Conference (SE)
2010: Ibrany, featured performer of St. Stephen's Day Festivities (5000 attendees) (HU)
Brugges Festival, singer of the international project Brugge-Bucharest Express (BE)
Discography:
Mother Tongue (2011), by Effi Shoshani
This Way, Sweetheart! (2009)
Authentic Hungarian Village Music (2006), with Barozda
Árva az a madár - Lonely Is The Bird (2006)
Madárka, madárka - Little Birdie (2003)
Three Hungarian Folk Songs, maxi CD (2002)
Madarka, madarka, MC (1998)
Films:
Hungary In Pictures (r. Marton Toth, 2004) singing
Power Games (r. Agnes Krepsz, 2003) singing
Music Box (r. Costa-Gavras, 1989) dancing
