There’s still time to buy tickets for the Budapest Café Orchestra, performing in St Ives Guildhall this Saturday (2nd July).
The ensemble was established by British composer and violinist Christian Garrick in 2009. They play a selection of traditional folk- and gypsy-flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. There are also Klezmer laments, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czardas, and their own re-imaginings of some of the biggest pieces ever written by the greats.
It’s a small but impeccably formed orchestra of just four players. Two of the country’s most revered international soloists revel at the heart of proceedings.
Eddie Hession is a supreme accordion champion of Great Britain. In an 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 and 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 1960s with northern soul sensations Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.
• Tickets can be booked online here. If you require accessible tickets, they can be purchased over the phone on 01736 798577 or in person at the box office in St Ives Library and Info Centre.
