While visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, Ion Zanca, founder of Dallas String Quartet and composer behind, “ROMANI: The Untold Story,” discovered a cruel chapter of his own heritage. Amidst the barbed wire and walls of the museum, he stumbled upon a section dedicated to the Romani people, his ancestors, whose stories had long been shrouded in silence. 

Although raised in Romania, this was the moment Zanca learned of Adolf Hitler’s Natzi Policy during World War II declaring all Romani, “lives unworthy of living.” Men, women and children were sent to concentration camps throughout the Holocaust including Auschwitz, Chelmno, Belzec, Dachau and more. An estimated 80% of the Romani population, about 1.5 million, were killed with the intent of genocide by the Germans from 1933-1945. Commonly referred to by the derogatory name “Gypsies”, their story remains relatively unknown, as societal bias continues to marginalize Romani as "lower class." In crafting this musical tribute, Zanca endeavors to shed light on their untold story, inviting listeners to join in the rediscovery of a history, a group of people who deserve acknowledgment and remembrance. 

In collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, each of the album’s five songs are thoughtfully represented by a chapter, unveiling this vicious period in history, while simultaneously showcasing the indomitable spirit, heart, and profound love for music that defines the Romani people.

Stay tuned for the release of "ROMANI: The Untold Story" available for listening everywhere August 23rd, 2024.