WOMAD

Ida Kelarová

From Czech Republic

Ida was born in Czechoslovakia and comes from a Moravian-Romany background. Her father, Koloman Bitto, was one of the most significant musical personalities in the country. Aged 6, Ida began to learn to play the piano and cello and eventually graduated from the Janácþek Conservatory in Brno. In 1982 she moved to Wales, also living in Denmark and Norway. In 1995 Ida returned to her homeland where she established a Gypsy band Romano Rat with Desiderius Duzþda. She also founded The International School of the Human Voice where she combines the experience of 15 years of emigration with inspiration gleaned from her Gypsy roots. Ida teaches gypsy songs to help others identify their own deep emotions, convinced that each individual can release incredible power by learning to sing from the heart.