Magic Violin

About

Balkan music from Danube regions with drops of Ottoman. Magic Violin are at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Thursday 2 May at 8pm. Tickets are £16.

The Magic Violin Trio comprises of Gundula on lead vocals and violin, Jeremy Halliwell on guitar, and Fraser Perry on cello and backing vocals.
 
The trio evolved in 2020 from the string players of Gundula’s five-piece Balkan ensemble Tatcho Drom, when restrictions during the pandemic meant only three players were allowed in rehearsal space.

Band leader Gundula has been exploring the music of the Gyspy Romany people in Eastern European and Balkan regions for more than 20 years. During her frequent fieldwork travels, she collects pieces and delves into their musical and ethnographical backgrounds. From these traditional tunes, Gundula crafts musical arrangements that preserve the archaic elements and the ancient beauty of the traditional music.

One can find traces of Ottoman elements in terms of modes, rhythmic and melodic structure, and ornamentation. More recent Turkish influences are also present, with Balkan Romany musicians learning from the famous Turkish Romany virtuosos who are masters of improvisation. Their distinct style of playing can be heard in both traditional music and in modern Turbofolk and Chalga music genres.

In a story told through music, The Magic Violin Trio transport the listener through countries and cultures performing Eastern European and Balkan folk and Gypsy music. Influenced by music traditions of old, the trio of strings and singer bring a fresh and charismatic feel to their performances.

They are not bound by genre. Anything goes that contains magic, and their repertoire consists of not only Balkan and Eastern European but also pieces from Silk Road regions and Ottoman times, Nordic folk, Klezmer and old-fashioned jazz tunes.