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 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.

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

Two of the country’s celebrated 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 music with Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy, Bireli Lagrene, Tim Minchin, Caro Emerald and John Etheridge. One of Russia's most enigmatic musical exports, The Sultan (sic Adrian Zolotuhin) is a master of the strummed strings of domra, balalaika, guitar and saz. Veteran bassman Kelly Cantlon has been in the business of laying down the low notes for many-a-moon. Kelly first found fame in the as a Vagabond with Northern Soul sensations Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

CHRISTIAN GARRICK – violin, darbuka

EDDIE HESSION – accordion

KELLY CANTLON – double bass

ADRIAN ZOLOTUHIN – guitar, saz, balalaika, domra

Reviews

"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

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

“Absolutely acoustically electrifying!”  Time Out