CHRISTIAN GARRICK – violin, darbuka
MURRAY GRAINGER – accordion
KELLY CANTLON – double bass
ADRIAN ZOLOTUHIN – guitar, saz, balalaika, domra
Refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique orchestra BCO play gypsy and folk-flavoured music in their unique and surprising way. From Balkan and Russian traditional music to their artful distillations of Romantic masterworks to soaring Gaelic folk anthems, BCO is an infectious musical experience and like none other.
With 16 albums to their name Budapest Café Orchestra was established by British composer and violinist Christian Garrick in 2009. A diminutive ensemble of just four players, the BCO creates an astonishing soundscape and aural alchemy characteristic of larger ensembles, combining violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz, balalaika, domra and percussion to dazzling effect.
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 enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube!
"Not so much a band name as a whole genre of its own, Budapest Café Orchestra embraces an encyclopaedia of music and mischief." SCOTSMAN
“Your music is really great.” Helena Bonham Carter
"Their arrangements are brilliant, their improvisations inspired. Their humour and, on occasion, sheer silliness hides a real brilliance of execution. In every bit of the material the charming irony hides really serious and focussed music-making. This is entertainment of a high order. Sir Roger Norrington
“The music is magic in their hands.” Sean Rafferty BBC Radio 3
“Absolutely acoustically electrifying!” Time Out
“Back by popular demand, the fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship of the finest purveyors of Eastern European gypsy music this side of a Lada scrap heap will leave you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet…” TIMES
"The Budapest Cafe Orchestra play a blistering barrage of Czardas, East European and Russian folk tunes that might have come from the Hot Club of Paris via the Orient Express!" Brighton Argus
"THEIR VIRTUISTIC SKILL, HILARIOUS SENSE OF HUMOUR AND UNDOUBTED SENSITIVITY KEPT THE PACKED AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND. AMAZING ....UNLIKE ANY OTHER BAND THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD." Ely Standard
“Mascara rearrangers.” Fran Riley
“They make the world a better place.“ Bob Misto, Nevada, U.S.