Roman Bienik (SVK)
Folk instrument maker, educator, folk music ambassador
A musician and educator at the Department of Music at the University of Žilina, Roman Bienik is one of Slovakia’s most respected makers of traditional folk instruments such as fujaras, whistles, and bagpipes. His handcrafted instruments have received numerous awards and are played by ensembles and soloists worldwide.
They have found homes across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Japan – some even given as official diplomatic gifts. Roman also plays the instruments he crafts and passionately promotes Slovak folk music and traditional craftsmanship.