Budapest Cafe Orchestra
The Budapest Café Orchestra (BCO) is a refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique ensemble that captivates audiences with its gypsy and folk-flavoured music. Established in 2009 by British composer and violinist Christian Garrick, BCO presents an infectious musical experience that blends Balkan and Russian traditional music, Romantic masterworks, and soaring Gaelic folk anthems.
Despite being a diminutive ensemble of just four players, BCO creates an astonishing soundscape akin to that of much larger groups. Their performances evoke vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life, and gypsy campfires, complete with surprises and unmatched musicianship that inspire audiences to dream of adventures down the Danube.
With fifteen albums to their name, BCO has established itself as one of the busiest acoustic groups, performing an average of 60 to 70 shows per year. BCO frequently appears on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune and Martin Handley’s weekend Breakfast shows.
BCO features two of the UK’s celebrated international soloists at its core. Accordionist Eddie Hession, a supreme accordion champion of Great Britain, has performed alongside music legends such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Chris Rea. Christian Garrick, one of the world’s most celebrated jazz violinists, has an extensive resume that includes collaborations with Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy, Bireli Lagrene, Tim Minchin, Caro Emerald, and John Etheridge.
Adrian Zolotuhin, known as “The Sultan” and one of Russia’s most enigmatic musical exports, is a master of strummed string instruments, including the domra, balalaika, guitar, and saz. Veteran bass player Kelly Cantlon, who first gained recognition as a member of the Northern Soul group Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, brings decades of experience to the BCO, anchoring their unique sound with deep, resonant tones.
Each member of BCO is a dedicated musician in their own right. Eddie and Adrian are prolific educators, inspiring young musicians, while Christian serves as a professor of jazz violin at esteemed institutions such as the Guildhall School of Music, Royal Academy of Music, and Royal College of Music in London. Adrian also directs the Imperial Balalaika Orchestra of Overton.
Together, the Budapest Café Orchestra creates a rich and exhilarating fusion of global musical traditions, bringing joy and delight to audiences everywhere.
