In Slavic mythology, we know Baba Yaga as a wild, unpredictable, and often dangerous female figure. And that’s exactly how the band Baba Yaga sounds: fiery Balkan tunes blend with virtuosic Klezmer pieces, lively Gypsy jazz, and sensual Oriental dances. The five young musicians from Austria, Montenegro, and Israel fire you up with violin, double bass, accordion, guitar, vocals, and percussion—getting you to dance, celebrate, and reach ecstasy.
The band project has existed for several years, but the current lineup only came together in 2023. All the musicians met in Vienna—some through jazz studies, others through various band projects where they had already played together. The five members compose and arrange music collaboratively, rehearse together in Vienna, and see Baba Yaga as a wonderful musical project centred on community, pure joy of life, and musical adventure.
Each member brings unique strengths to the group, and together they grow and create something entirely new. Following the successful reception of their debut album Grenzenlos, the band is now set to take to international stages this year, with performances in France, Germany & Switzerland. Violin & Vocals: Raffaella della Gemma, Percussion & Vocals: Jasmin Meiri, Double Bass & Vocals: Florian Gunacker, Accordion: Anela Čindrak, Guitar: David Mandlburger.
After two years of intense collaboration, the time has finally come: Baba Yaga presented their first album in 2024 with a fresh mixture of newly arranged traditionals and virtuous originals. The album is titled Grenzenlos (translated as Boundless/Limitless/without borders) and is supported by the Austrian Music Fund.
