Stanislaus Renard

Stanislaus Renard is a violin player in the Romani tradition. He founded The Bohemian Quartet based in Providence, Rhode Island. Stan was a mentor in the Southern New England Traditional Arts Program in 2012-2013. The unusual tradition (in the U.S. anyway) of techniques and repertoire of Romani fiddle playing were taught by experienced Roma violinist Stan Renard to Romanian apprentice Ioanida Costache who has Roma heritage. They covered mostly the Romanian Lautari tradition of playing but also introduced Bulgarian, Turkish, and other Romani traditions as well as improvisation within the form. The apprentice spent 2014 on a Fulbright to Romania to study this music, so she learned many things that helped her prepare for the experience there. Together they gave a stellar concert of 11 traditional pieces for the required presentation which took place at the Polish American Foundation in New Britain, Connecticut, and also at a Master Class at Connecticut College.