The folk music traditions of Hungary are extended through the playing of violinist Casaba Okros and his group, The Okros Ensemble. Over the past decade, the group has toured throughout the world and has collaborated with such artists as violinist Sandor Fodor "Neti," the last living exponent of the Hungarian folk music of the Kalotaszeg region of Transylvania and vocalist Marta Sebestyen. Okros' knowledge of Hungarian folk music was gained by visiting and studying with folk musicians in the remote villages of Hungary and Transylvania. Prior to forming Okros Ensemble, Okros performed with Uistilus Ensemble. In addition to performing with the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble and the Kodaly Folk Dance Theater, Okros has performed with the Muzsikas Ensemble, with whom he appeared in the film, "Music Box". The Okros Ensemble also features violinist Miklos Molnar, kontra (viola) players Laszlo Kelemen and Laszlo Mester and bassist Robert Door. An original member, Molnar also serves as lead violinist of the Budapest Ensemble. Transylvania-born and raised Kelemen also serves as musical director and composer of the Budapest Ensemble. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi