Gypsy It! finale

The 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra. Photo: Steve Cooper

Join the famous London Gypsy Orchestra and the Romany Diamonds at the Round Chapel, Clapton on Saturday 26 February for Gypsy music, dance performances and dance sessions.

This event celebrates the finale of ‘Gypsy-It’, the orchestra’s ongoing Grassroots-funded project of music and dance classes, which are being attended by people of all ages and ability.

There will be a stunning community performance of traditional Gypsy music and dance, showcasing the music and dances learnt by the ‘Gypsy-It’ participants, as well as the opportunity for anyone to perform on an open mic.

The ‘Gypsy-It’ sessions began with a similar event on 15 January. The Roundhouse Chapel was bustling with local residents, and people of all ages enjoyed the acts, joined in the jam session, with dancing led by Janna Elliot.

There were also virtuoso performances from Ricardo Marek and Benjamin of the Czureja gypsy family, recitals from members of the London Gypsy Orchestra, and wonderful Bulgarian dancing from Gosia.

The 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra, founded in 2005 by Gundula Gruen, performs original arrangements of traditional Eastern European and Balkan folk music, bringing to life songs that have existed for hundreds of years. It is the biggest ensemble of its kind in Europe.

Gruen is a classically trained violinist whose study and passion encompasses Gypsy, folk, and klezmer music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. As well as leading the orchestra, she plays in a number of small ensembles, the newest of which is Tatcho Drom.

The Czuerja family is comprised of traditional Romany musicians and dancers from Poland. After facing discrimination, Ricardo Marek and his family immigrated to England in 1998.

Their next gathering, at the Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Clapton, is open to those of all ages. You can bring your instruments, dancing shoes, poems, songs, and the music you love and share them. Entry costs £5/3(conc.), and is free for children under 12. Tickets are on sale at the door.

For further information, contact Gundula Gruen on 07879 462 199, gundula@magicviolin.co.uk.