Șandorică – Violinist from Transylvania

The family of the well-known violinist Șandorică (Ciurcui Alexandru) from the village of Soporu de Câmpie in Romania is facing two crises. Recently he was operated on for a brain tumor, and he now is facing second-stage cancer. He is under treatment, but in serious condition. Șandorică and his wife, Maria, got to know many Americans involved in traditional music and dancing when they performed for Romania at the Smithsonian Festival in 1999 and lived for a time in the United States. Șandorică and his band performed frequently for groups and events in Washington, DC area, and at dance parties there and in New York. We have continued to be in touch with these wonderful people. Maria has spent her life supporting the work of her husband. To enter the Romanian pension system, which includes health care, she must give evidence of work for 15 years. She is able to prove 12 years of work. The Romanian system allows Maria to make up the rest of the years to 15 by paying $3,500. However, with the irregular wages of a musician and the need to take care of their family, it has not been possible for Șandorică and Maria to make up this sum by themselves. Șandorică’s condition has made it even more important to help Maria join the national system. Contributions to this Go Fund Me will go first for her pension application and then to aid them both in this dire situation.
(Contributions are directed to Judith Olson who will send them to the Ciurcui family.)

 

Video of playing violin with his cousin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZmkqbbH8EE

playing with his children’s group at the Frata Festival in 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fKnKQNdmic