UFO000 : People of the Wind / People of the Wind

Tuesday, 10 November 2026

UFO000 : People of the Wind / People of the Wind

A new series for Off: (Un) folkloric is born.

A series which will see musicians from all over the world either reinterpreting / arranging / transforming traditional world folk music or composing new music in the style of ethnic music using new structures, instruments or electronics.

UFO000 : People of the Wind / People of the Wind

The series starts with People of the Wind, an explosive trio inspired by the ecstatic traditions of “zourna” and “daouli” stretching from West Africa to the Far East. Of particular interest are the repertoires of Greek Macedonia where the trio is based, Turkey and Iran. Guided also by a fascination for the role music plays in traditional societies in these places, the group directly addresses the question of its own musical roots. Also, the nature of interpreting this music with a instrument such as the saxophone also requires a great deal of technical and sonic innovation resulting in a wholly new and exciting group sound with rhythm and dance at its core.

Their self-titled album, features creative interpretations of traditional pieces from Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Iran and Armenia as well original compositions by James Wylie. Also featured on the album are Cypriot vocalist Yiannis Dionisiou and Iranian singer Sanam Sousani.

Alexandros, James and Fausto

James Wylie:

Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, James Wylie is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer currently based in Greece. He was introduced to music at a young age through the classical repertoire and, during his teenage years, turned to the saxophone—an instrument that opened the door to the world of jazz and improvised music.

His distinctive voice bridges different musical worlds, and he is active both as a bandleader and as a sideman, recognized for his versatility, depth, and ability to move fluidly between contemporary jazz, free improvisation, and the modal traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. He brings this broad experience and enthusiasm to his work as an educator, having devoted many years to sharing his knowledge and passion for music through a teaching philosophy that emphasizes deep listening, intercultural fluency, and creative exploration.

Fausto Sierakowski:

Born in Paris in 1988 and grew up in Rome, Italy.

In 2009 he graduated in classical saxophone from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory under the direction of Alfredo Santoloci and in 2012 he obtains a Masters Degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory under the direction of Anthony Coleman, Hankus Netsky and Frank Carlberg.
While in the US and upon his return to Europe in 2014 he has performed and recorded with musicians such as Matt Moran, Anthony Coleman, Joe Morris, Matt Darriau, Satoshi Takeshi, Hayden Chisholm and Axel Dörner.

In 2016 he moves to Greece in order to study Ottoman Classical music and Oud with Evgenios Voulgaris.
Since then he performs with the ensembles of Evgenios Voulgaris, Thymios Atzakas and James Wylie and with several bands such as People of the Wind (with Alexandros Rizopoulos) and Rodakina (with Avgerini Gatsi, Maria Ploumi and Evi Kanellou).

Alexandros Rizopoulos:

Dr. Alexandros Rizopoulos is a performer and ethnomusicologist whose work centres on the daouli and the rich musical traditions of the Balkans. He leads the Alenti Quintet, performs solo with Sima Vounou, and teaches at the Universities of Athens and Macedonia. With over twenty-five years of experience, he has performed at festivals, village celebrations, weddings and *panegyria*, collaborating with numerous distinguished musicians and artists. His work has taken him to a wide range of cultural and educational institutions, including the Grotowski Institute in Poland, the Musical Courtyards of Ikaria, Music Village in Agios Lavrentios, the National Conservatories of Paris, the World Human Forum and the Quilombo Cultural Centre.