Orkiestra Samanta

Orkiestra Samanta is a folk-rock band from Wrocław. Vibrant, expressive and diverse music combined with colorful stories about the sea and maritime exploration make the band’s shows and artistic work unique.

The band’s original songs are inspired by folk music with a particular influence from folk, maritime, Irish and shanties, mixed with contemporary rock music based on distinctive electric guitars and strong rhythm section. The original lyrics tell tales of great discoveries, historic characters, and the beauty of sailing. Orkiestra Samanta has been a recognized brand on the folk and shanty scene for many years, gaining more and more popularity among a constantly growing number of devoted fans both in Poland and abroad. In 2024 Orkiestra Samanta celebrates its 25th anniversary. For the last 25 years the band has given over 1,000 shows, being a regular guest of the most prominent folk and maritime festivals both in Poland and in many European countries.

So far the band has released 6 albums: “Kurs do domu” (2002), “Odyssee/Odyseja” (2005), “Pod wiatr” (2005), “Sztorm” (2009), “Winlandia” (2014), “Arktyka” (2019)

ORKIESTRA SAMANTA began its creative journey in 1999 in Wrocław, Poland. The band’s name originates from the celebrated tavern Port Samanta, where the band was formed in its original lineup. During the years 1999-2000 the group appeared on the biggest folk and sea music festivals in Poland, most of the time with great success. In 2001, encouraged by the jury members, the band steps onto the professional scene and starts performing regularly in Poland and abroad (Germany, France, Netherlands). 

The Odyssey Project – When travelling with a series of shows in France, Orkiestra meets a keen French group – Les Dièses. What then follows is their joint French-Polish album “Odyseja” (2005) and a promotional tour of extraordinary shows performed together in France (2006), and in Poland (2007). 

Since 2007 the group is a member of the International Shanty and Seasong Association (ISSA). 

Beginning in 2011 it becomes the official artistic endorser of the Polish sailing ship “Kapitan Borchardt”

The band was featured in multiple radio and TV shows, such as France Blue, The Polish Radio, TVP1, TVP2, TVP3, TVN, TV4, Telewizja Wrocław, and in national press, including Gazeta Wyborcza, Żagle, Colour Vienne. 

Pawel “Alex” Aleksanderek – vocal, acoustic guitar

Kasia Dubaniowska – violin

Andrzej Kalus – bass guitar, vocal

Witek Hrycyk – drums

Paweł Lisiecki – electric guitar