About the London Gypsy Orchestra
The 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra performs original arrangements of traditional music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans, bringing to life songs and dances that echo hundreds of years of journeys, adventures, culture and passion. Founded in 2005 by virtuoso violinist Gundula Gruen, who conducts as well as performs, it is the biggest ensemble of its kind in Western Europe.
London Gypsy Orchestra at the Union Chapel Photo by Steve Cooper
The LGO draws together musicians from a multitude of backgrounds and nationalities, who share an enthusiasm for Eastern European Gypsy and folk music, combining orchestral as well as folk instruments such as the cimbalom and the tambura. Their arrangements fuse beautiful melodies with complex rhythms from as far north as Russia to the southern European regions of the Balkans and the eastern lands of Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and beyond. With wild improvisations and tight synchronisations, the orchestra inspires audiences with its energy and spontaneity.
The LGO has performed in many prestigious venues including the Union Chapel, the Tate Modern, Cecil Sharp House, St George’s Bristol and the Carling Academy Oxford, as well as at events such as the Pulse Festival on the South Bank, London International Gypsy Film Festival, Dorchester Arts Festival and events for Gypsy/Roma/Traveller History month.
As well as the full orchestra, the LGO also makes a big impact performing as the Professional Ensemble of 15 members, ideal for smaller venues.
The strength of the orchestra is their live performance, which is a thrilling experience for both audience and performers!
London Gypsy Orchestra Professional Ensemble at Rich Mix, 2010 Photo by Steve Cooper
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