Meet the 80-year-old woman whose music is saving Romania's forests: 'We have to protect'

Sylvia Dan is an eighty-year-old woman hailing from the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. She was taught folk songs by her grandmother and has spent her life tending to cattle on her small estate. Little did she know that one day she would be starring on a record released in the United Kingdom. Nico de Transylvania recorded the album – Interbeing – in a remote village 180 kilometers north of Bucharest named Nosuara. The area is known for its ancient forests, home to lynxes, wolves and bears. It has been called the Amazon of Europe. To record the album, de Transylvania gathered a team of artists, videographers, photographers and musicians to work with Dan and local musicians on traditional Romanian flutes.

The album was produced in part to help repair some of the damage done to the region as a result of the illegal recording. For every copy of the album sold, money will go towards planting native trees that are properly protected by law. It is part of the Forests Without Borders project, which de Transylvania personally oversees. So far, the organization has planted 150,000 trees over the past three years.

Dan is proud that future generations will be able to listen to the songs of her ancestors. She also finds it heartening that the money raised will help to restore the landscapes near her village. “It was devastating to see the destruction,” she says, “and this project gives me hope.” The album Interbeing is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and help restore the environment. It is a reminder that we can all make a difference in our own ways. As Dan says, “Music and nature are in our blood.”

The album features several genres, from Romanian folk songs to jazz and classical music. Each song was recorded with several microphones, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the beauty and mystery of the Carpathian Mountains. Besides, the use of traditional instruments like flutes, accordions and drums further enhances the soundscape. The album is in some ways a tribute to Dan and her community. In addition to her vocals, Dan can also be heard playing a traditional Romanian instrument called the cimbalom. She’s also featured on several other tracks, singing and providing backing vocals.

The album has been well-received by critics and fans alike. It has been praised for its unique sound and its commitment to preserving the traditional music of Romania. Many have also commented on the positive message of the album, which reinforces the power of music to bring people together and help restore nature.

Interbeing is a powerful reminder that music can be a powerful tool for change. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving the cultural heritage of Romania. As Dan says, “We have to protect the Carpathians for future generations.” The album is an essential contribution to Romanian music and a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the Carpathian Mountains. It’s also a testament to the power of music to bring people together and help restore the environment. As Dan puts it, “Music and nature are in our blood.”