FW: Info about the violinist, Sandorica, and his wife, who were a part of our Hungarian dance community

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Agnes Vigh

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Jan 23, 2022, 10:49:29 PM1/23/22
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-------- Original message --------
Date: 1/23/22 6:19 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Info about the violinist, Sandorica, and his wife, who were a part of our Hungarian dance community

Some of you may remember the violinist Sandorica who was here in the US with his band, brought over by the Smithsonian for their summer focus on Romania.  He played at many events in the DC and New York area during the years they were here, leaving finally because they missed their families in Romania.  After this visit, Sandorica resumed his career in Romania, playing at local events as well as the Válaszút Mezőség Music & Dance Camp and other places frequented by Hungarian dancers.
 
Over these years a number of us from the NY/NJ area and DC have visited his family, always welcomed with friendship, good food, and great times together.  Recently Sandorica has become ill.  In addition, his wife, Maria, has been unable to get into the Romanian pension and senior health care program because she is short a few years' work, partly because the work she did in the US does not qualify.  She is allowed to buy in, but the cash amount is too much for their family.
 
It occurred to me that some of their friends could help with this problem, something that would take a burden off their shoulders that could not be dealt with in another way.  I have written the GoFundMe below, to raise the money to get Maria into the retirement system and perhaps to help with medical expenses.  It would be a wonderful thing if you were able to contribute, but this is also to let you know what is happening to people who were members of our North American community for a while.  If you want to get in touch with Sandorica and Maria (they are very happy to hear from all of us) please let me know.
 
Here is the link to the GoFundMe, the content of the notice is below.  Thank you so much for remembering this time with me and helping however you can!
 
Best wishes,
Judy Olson 
 
GoFundMe link:
 
 
or go to the GoFundMe website and type in Sandorica  or violinist   or Transylvania. A picture is at this site.
 
Here is the content:
 

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, 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.
 
Video of playing violin with his cousin:
 playing with his children’s group at the Frata Festival in 2015
 
I have and am putting up more videos on my YouTube channel:  judyolson1
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