The Budapest Cafe Orchestra

The Budapest Cafe Orchestra (BDO) 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.

They have 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.

The BCO is a small but impeccably formed orchestra of just four players combined to create aural alchemy so wholesome you would be forgiven for thinking a far bigger ensemble is at work. Two of the country’s most revered international soloists revel 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. Kelly found fame in the late 60’s as a Vagabond with northern soul sensations Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

CHRISTIAN GARRICK – violin
EDDIE HESSION – accordion
KELLY CANTLON – double bass
ADRIAN ZOLOTUHIN – guitar, saz, balalaika, domra

“Acoustically Electrifying” NME
“Brain placebo” Times

COVID-19 CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
In order to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, we have implemented various conditions of entry for this show.
To attend Budapest Café Orchestra at The Guildhall, all ticket holders will need to demonstrate their COVID-19 Status by providing one of the following:

• Proof of full vaccination – both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)
• Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken on the day of event
• Proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event