Lele Lele Orchestra is the Bulgarian-Swedish Balkan band playing mainly Bulgarian folk and Roma music from the Balkans. Based in Stockholm, Sweden the orchestra has since 2003, tirelessly explored Bulgarian folk music with firy energy, playfullness and a will for innovation. Over the years the band has collaborated with choirs, musicians from Middle Eastern traditions, flamenco dancers, as well as greats in Bulgarian music such as Theodosii Spassov, Hristina Beleva, Borislav Zgurovski, Mario Metodiev, Filip Filipov among others.
Lele Lele has earlier released two studio albums: “Lele Lele” (2009) and “När ljuset går” (2017) and is up to date with their latest album “Aide, aide!” released in May 2024. It contains both original compositions and traditional Bulgarian and Balkan Roma music. The album can be listened to on most online streaming platforms.
photo Anna Drvnik, design Ivo “Kuker” Christov
Lele Lele Orchestra are:
Mihail Dinchev – tambura, vocals & dance
Kai Sundquist – clarinet
John Runefelt – accordion
Stian Grimstad – tuba
Moa Danielson – tupan (Bulgarian drum)
Through the years, LLO toured Sweden and Europe, made successful tours in Bulgaria and participated in experimental performing arts. The band also designed the phenomenon Aide Айде! Balkan Jam Session, which had a great success in Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Malmö, Gothenburg, as well as at the Stockholm Culture Festival in 2019 and continues to organize and play the sessions.
Lele Leles live performances are interactive where the band engages the audience in ring dancing and singing. They have a large repertoir and can pull both a wild-Balkan-party, a concert with listening audience and a traditional Bulgarian and Balkan dance event!
