Music lovers in Overton are in for a treat this spring, as the acclaimed Budapest Cafe Orchestra makes a welcome return to the village on Saturday 9 May.
The concert will take place at St Mary’s Church, with proceedings getting underway at 8pm. The evening will also feature support from the Imperial Balalaika Orchestra of Overton, showcasing homegrown talent alongside an internationally celebrated act.
Led by renowned jazz violinist Christian Garrick, the Budapest Café Orchestra has built a loyal following for its vibrant and highly skilled performances. The group specialises in traditional folk and gypsy-inspired music from across the Balkans and Russia, blending styles such as Klezmer, Romanian doinas and Hungarian czardas with well-known pieces including the theme from Schindler’s List and Andy Statman’s Flatbush Waltz.
Despite being made up of just four musicians, the orchestra produces a rich and full sound, combining violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz and balalaika. Their performances are known for their energy, humour and musical precision, often drawing comparisons to the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for their ability to captivate audiences with a compact line-up.
Christian Garrick himself is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading jazz violinists, having worked with major names including Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy and Caro Emerald.
He is joined by a group of accomplished musicians, including multi-instrumentalist Adrian Zolotuhin, known for his mastery of domra, balalaika, guitar and saz; veteran bassist Kelly Cantlon, who rose to prominence in the 1960s with Jimmy James and the Vagabonds; and accordion specialist Murray Grainger, a leading authority on the instrument and a rare exponent of the accordina.
Tickets for the concert are available online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/azproductions/2116802, with strong demand expected for what promises to be an entertaining and atmospheric evening of world-class music in an intimate local setting.
