The Budapest Café Orchestra (music)

Event information

The refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique orchestra BCO play Romani 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 like none other.

Fifteen 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.

Two of the country’s celebrated international soloists revel at the heart of proceedings. 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 himself is one of the world’s most celebrated jazz violinists, having played with Dame Cleo Laine, Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy, Bireli Lagrene, Tim Minchin, Caro Emerald and John Etheridge. Joining them is one of Russia’s most enigmatic musical exports, The Sultan (sic Adrian Zolotuhin) who is a master of the strummed strings of domra, balalaika, guitar and saz. Last, but not least, veteran bass-man Kelly Cantlon has been in the business of laying down the low notes for many-a-moon. Kelly first found fame as a Vagabond with Northern Soul sensations, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros and Budapest café life – plus a few surprises along the way – they bring to the stage immense skill and profound musicianship, whilst also being hugely entertaining. A show by the BCO is enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube!

“The music is magic in their hands” BBC Radio 3

“Acoustically Electrifying” NME

“Brain placebo” Times

£18 General Admission | £16 Concessions | £10 Under 16’s *

* We are offering a free carer/companion ticket for any disabled or wheelchair-user audience members throughout our shows this season. Please note that it is helpful if this is booked in advance via the WeGotTickets website, so that we can ensure that there is adequate accessible seating reserved on the day/night of the event.
Wheelchair access, or entry for people with a disability is available from the side entrance, by the Phoenix Café.

Please note that there is likely to be dancing at this event.