Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Folk and gypsy with an Eastern European flavour

CHRISTIAN GARRICK – violin

EDDIE HESSION – accordion

KELLY CANTLON – double bass

ADRIAN ZOLOTUHIN – guitar, saz, balalaika, domra

The BCO was established by British composer and violinist Christian Garrick in 2009. Led by Christian they play a blistering barrage of traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia, Klezmer laments, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czardas and their own unique re-imaginings of some of the biggest pieces ever written by the greats.

The band has won legions of fans through their magical and infectious performances. Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires – plus a few surprises along the way – hugely entertaining, immense skill and profound musicianship. A show by the BCO is good enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube!

The small but impeccably formed orchestra of just four players combines to create aural alchemy so wholesome you would think a far bigger ensemble is at work. Two of the country’s most revered international soloists are at the heart of proceedings. Accordionist exemplar Eddie Hession is a supreme accordion champion of Great Britain. In his illustrious career, he has accompanied Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Chris Rea. Christian Garrick is one of the world’s most celebrated jazz violinists. He has played with the likes of Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy, Bireli Lagrene and Caro Emerald. Another member of the Orchestra is one of Russia’s most enigmatic musical exports. The Sultan is played expertly by Adrian Zolotuhin, a master of the strummed strings of domra, balalaika, guitar and saz. Veteran bass-man Kelly Cantlon has been in the business of laying down the low notes for many moons and found fame in the late 60’s as a Vagabond with northern soul sensations Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

To listen and look before you book go to https://youtu.be/wyP7w8HIoX0