il Troubadore
Photograph by Jennifer Landon
il Troubadore’s official band website is: www.Troubadore.com
Formed in May 2004, il Troubadore was conceived first as a classical ensemble designed for private parties and small venues. The name was chosen to reflect the early material – which included several Italian Bel Canto, operatic arias, and Irish and Scottish folk tunes. Initially, the band was a duo consisting of operatic tenor and mandolinist Robert Bruce Scott and master cellist and singer Jon Silpayamanant.
Dance instructor and clarinetist Wendi Wampler and percussionist and singer Paul Radecki joined il Troubadore in 2006, bringing a broader variety of sounds and institutionalizing dance as a key element in the group’s performances.
In addition to their chamber music material, il Troubadore quickly adapted to playing in larger clubs, adding rock, country, disco, jazz and folk covers from a broad variety of cultures as well as strong original material that blends heavy metal, classical and world music influences. Their Middle Eastern flair attracted attention from Indiana’s rapidly growing belly dance community. Now dancers, as well as local and regional musicians accompany il Troubadore at many of their appearances.