Bordó Sárkány, meaning “Bordeaux Red Dragon” in Estonian, is a well-known Hungarian ensemble that performs in a self-created style: medieval world music, which the band has also described as medieval rock’n’roll.
The ensemble was founded in 2010 in Debrecen and has given successful concerts over the years both in Hungary and in many other countries. Estonian audiences may know Bordó Sárkány from performances at events such as Tallinn Medieval Days and Pärnu Hanseatic Days.
The band combines authentic Hungarian and European medieval songs and dances with a contemporary, dynamic world music sound. Both songs and instrumental pieces play an important role in their repertoire: around half of the ensemble’s pieces are instrumental.
Bordó Sárkány uses both traditional and historical instruments in their music. Their soundscape is enriched by medieval bagpipes, violin, mandocello, koboz — a lute-like instrument — zither and powerful percussion. The result is an energetic, rhythmic and engaging live experience that brings medieval music to contemporary audiences in a fresh and powerful form.
The ensemble includes several highly skilled musicians with academic musical backgrounds. During their years of activity, Bordó Sárkány has released several studio and live albums, including “Világfa” or “World Tree”, “Óperencia”, “A Lány És A Sárkány” or “The Girl and the Dragon”, “XX. századi krónikás” or “The 20th-Century Chronicler”, and “Főnix és Sárkány” or “Phoenix and Dragon”.
Bordó Sárkány is an active travelling troupe that has performed in more than 15 countries around the world. Their music proves that medieval melodies, historical instruments and contemporary stage energy can together create a powerful, danceable and memorable concert experience.
Line-up
Roland Dickmann – medieval bagpipes, flutes, vocals; ensemble manager
László Szlama – vocals, koboz, zither
János Fábi – violin
Ernő Kiss – mandocello
Miklós Márk Szőke – drums
Albums
“Világfa” or “World Tree” – 2010
“Óperencia” – 2013
“A Lány És A Sárkány” or “The Girl and the Dragon” – 2018
“XX. századi krónikás” or “The 20th-Century Chronicler” – 2021
“Főnix és Sárkány” or “Phoenix and Dragon” – 2025