Expressive & dance-driven
Klezmer phrasing, ornamentation and social-dance energy remain central to the band’s sound.
About the ensemble
Orchestra Euphonos is a Bay Area-based Eastern European folk and klezmer band led by trumpeter Peter Bonos. Formed in 2011, the group grew from musicians Bonos recruited from Church Marching Band and Odd Job Ensemble in Santa Rosa.
How the sound grew
The band’s repertoire expanded through mentorship, residencies and direct collaboration with musicians rooted in Romanian and Moldovan traditions.
Mentorship & collaboration
Beginning in 2015, accordionist Sergiu Popa mentored the band. Further work with Ionela Guzic, Viorica Onuț and Marian Milița deepened its Romanian and Moldovan repertoire.
Music in community
Orchestra Euphonos performs in the Bay Area’s network of cultural events, dances, festivals and community celebrations.
Ensemble
Eastern European traditions, learned through relationships and played for people.
Band history
Orchestra Euphonos has evolved through several lineups while keeping collaboration at its center.
2011 onward
Kalei Yamanoha was the original accordionist. Travis and Annie Hendrix were part of the early ensemble, with Leo Peringer joining before their departure from the Bay Area around 2018.
New voices
Zina Pozen succeeded Yamanoha on accordion, and Balder Ten Cate later joined as the band’s Romanian and Moldovan work deepened.
Tradition through collaboration
The band has performed with Sergiu Popa, Valeriu Icim, Ionela Guzic, Viorica Onuț and Marian Milița.
Listen & watch
Live recordings and performance video from Orchestra Euphonos.
Kolo Festival
Orchestra Euphonos with mentor Sergiu Popa and violinist Valeriu Icim in San Francisco.
Kolo Festival · San Francisco
Gallery
Selected images from the ensemble.
Live
On stage
Ensemble portrait
Orchestra Euphonos
Live
Great American Music Hall
Collaboration