Artist page

Toni Iordache was a renowned Romani Romanian cimbalom (țambal) player, often referred to as the “Godfather of the cimbalom.” He was born on December 17, 1942, in the village of Bâldana, located about 40 km northwest of Bucharest. Iordache came from a family of accomplished fiddlers, with his father also playing the cimbalom. He began his musical journey at the young age of 4, starting with the small (portable) țambal mic. His exceptional talent was quickly recognized, leading him to study under notable mentors to enhance his skills. By the age of 12, Iordache had won his first competition and was employed by the Romanian Radio and Television Orchestra. From 1960 to 1969, he joined the prestigious state ensemble, which allowed him to tour internationally. In 1969, he accompanied pan pipes virtuoso Gheorghe Zamfir when Zamfir left the Ciocîrlia ensemble to form his own group, further elevating Iordache's fame. Throughout his career, he performed extensively across Europe, the USA, and Asia, while also playing at weddings in Romania. Iordache developed a unique style characterized by incredible speed and refinement. Notably, during a concert in Paris in 1975, he recorded an astonishing speed of 25 strokes per second, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records. He collaborated with many famous

For any edit requests, please reach out to info@rovr.live