Erdőfű

Erdőfű is a melting pot of musicians and bands from the forefront of Hungary’s folk and world music scene. Their name comes from the archetypal folk music tale about a shepherd who lost his sheep and searches for them in the forest’s grasses and clearings (erdőfű = forest grass, forest clearing).

The band presents string music traditions of Hungarians and other ethnic groups of the villages in the Carpathian Basin.

As the original agricultural-farming social structures of the villages disintegrate, the group chooses the task of transferring this rich and colorful music culture into the modern urban environment.

Line up:

Andor Maruzsenszki – violin

Márton Éri – viola

Bálint Könczei – viola, accordion

Katalin Éri – double bass

Melinda Balogh – voice, dancer

Zalán Pásztor – dancer

Andor Maruzsenszki – Violin & Ethnographer
Born in war-torn Yugoslavia and now a leading name in Hungarian folk music, Andor Maruzsenszki has performed in numerous award-winning bands, including Fondor and Erdőfű. His deep commitment to folk traditions has earned him prestigious awards such as the “Népművészet Ifjú Mestere díj” and the Bezerédj Prize.

Márton Éri – Viola & Double Bass
A respected folk musician and cultural anthropologist, Márton Éri has played with legendary ensembles such as Muzsikás and the Buda Folk Band. With over 30 years of experience, he is not only a performer but also a key figure in folk music documentation and radio broadcasting. In 2024, he was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit of Hungary for his contributions to folk heritage.

Bálint Könczei – Viola
A master violist in Hungarian folk music, Bálint Könczei has worked on acclaimed albums such as Hangoló – Rókatánc and Contrasts of Kalotaszeg. As a key member of the Hungarian Folk Embassy, he is an ambassador of Hungarian folk traditions, bringing them to audiences worldwide.

Katalin Éri – Double Bass & Cello
A key figure in the Hungarian folk music scene, Katalin Éri is a gifted musician known for her work with the Erdőfű ensemble. As the granddaughter of György Martin and the daughter of the late Péter Éri (Muzsikás), she continues a family tradition of ethnomusicological research and performance, preserving the authentic sound of the Carpathian Basin.

Melinda Balogh – Folk & Jazz Singer
A singer with an extraordinary ability to blend Hungarian and Balkan folk with jazz elements, Melinda Balogh has released three solo albums (Napkerék, Tündér Ilona és Árgyélus, Pletykázó Asszonyok).
She is a vibrant presence in world music, theater, and children’s performances, captivating audiences with her unique artistry.

Zalán Pásztor – Folk Dancer & Instructor
A passionate folk dancer and educator, Zalán Pásztor is a student at the Hungarian Dance University and a dancer with the Corvinus Közgáz Folk Dance Ensemble.
As the leader of the Pannónia Folk Dance Ensemble’s adult group, he is dedicated to bringing Hungarian dance traditions closer to both children and adults.