About Me
Simion Bogdan-Mihai is a Romanian cobza virtuoso, amateur ethnomusicologist, and cultural advocate. He began violin at age 7, later switching to cobza at 15 under lăutar Constantin Gaciu, from Coteana (Olt). He has since become one of Romania’s few remaining practitioners of this traditional instrument.
He hosts a show on Radio Guerrilla (“Muzică despre cine suntem”), co‑founded the ensemble Antrepriza Muzicală, and worked on the soundtrack for Charlie Ottley’s documentaries Flavours of Romania and Wild Carpathia. His research and performances bridge historical and contemporary contexts, reviving Romania’s rich musical heritage.
Bands & Groups
Simion Bogdan‑Mihai has collaborated widely across genres, joining forces with:
- Mihai Mărgineanu
pop-folk star
- David Hermlin
german jazz singer
- Loredana Groza’s ensemble Banda Agurida
- Legendary folk band Taraf de Haidouks
- Avant-garde indie-rock band Les Elephants Bizarres
- Eclectic rappers such as Chimie, Samurai, and El Nyno
- Founder of Antrepriza Muzicală (2008–2010)
Genres
Simion Bogdan-Mihai explores a rich tapestry of genres rooted in Romanian tradition and beyond. He performs muzică lăutărească (urban Gypsy music), muzică țărănească (rural Romanian folk), and interwar pop-classical styles like tangos, Russian romances, and waltzes. His repertoire also touches on Jewish klezmer, Balkan rhythms, and early Romanian jazz.
Through his cobza and voice, he bridges oral heritage with contemporary audiences, preserving and reimagining diverse musical legacies.