Die Ladiner

Having earned the 2004 Grand Prix der Volksmusik, the German volksmusik duo Die Ladiner—frequently promoting themselves as Die Superstars der Volksmusik—originate from Val Gardena in Südtirol (South Tyrol). This autonomous Italian province, situated close to the Austrian frontier, encompasses the Dolomite portion of the Alps and serves as the source of the Rhaeto-Romance tongue known as Landin, from which the pair derive their name. Established in 1996, the act consists of lead vocalist Joakin Stuffer (born Johann Stuffer on June 8, 1969) alongside accordionist Otto Demetz (born December 10, 1959), who assumed the latter role in 2005 after replacing Joakin’s brother Rafael Stuffer (born June 11, 1979). Joakin’s sibling Reinhardt contributes compositions and lyrics to the duo’s output, while his daughter Nicol has joined them in performances, notably appearing on the 2006 release Ein Bisschen Fröhlich Sein. Their discography encompasses Allein in Einsamkeit (2002), Winter- & Weihnachtslieder (2003), Erinnerung an Mama (2004), Beuge Dich vor Grauem Haar (2004), Die Schönsten Lieder Südtirols (2005), Ein Meer Voll Traurigkeit (2005), Ein Bisschen Fröhlich Sein (2006), Die Ladiner Singen die Grössten Erfolge von Vico Torriani (2006), and Wahre Liebe ein Leben Lang (2007). In addition, Die Ladiner organize and host the yearly volksmusik gathering Ladinerfest, held in the scenic Val Gardena valley that lies at the base of the Dolomites.