London Gypsy Orchestra in brass section sponsorship appeal

The London Gypsy Orchestra performing

The London Gypsy Orchestra (LGO) wants to give a young musician the chance to learn how to play a rare brass instrument and become part of its unique ensemble.

After receiving the donation of an old Romanian sousaphone, the community orchestra is keen to add the instrument’s belly-rumbling bass sound to its brass section, and has launched a month-long campaign to raise £500 to pay for music lessons and provide transport and insurance for the rare instrument.

Gundula Gruen, a Hackney-based violinist who founded the LGO in 2005, said: “It’s a quirky and colourful instrument, and we would love to sponsor someone to learn how to play it.

“We have a couple of people who are interested but haven’t yet decided because it is a big commitment. Firstly you will need to practise it, so you need a space to do that in. Also, the instrument is big and heavy and you will need to be able to transport it.

You will also need to commit to the orchestra, because once we integrate the sousaphone into the orchestra it’s pretty essential that it’s there.”

The giant instrument is similar in tone to a tuba although the way it snakes around the body of the player gives the sousaphone a distinct appearance, as well as making it easier to play whilst being carried.

This quality has made the sousaphone popular with marching bands, although brass bands in Eastern Europe and the Balkans use them too.

The 45-piece London Gypsy Orchestra is the biggest ensemble of its type in Western Europe, performing regularly in London venues throughout the year.

Orchestra leader Gruen teaches individual members by ear, so an ability to read sheet music is no barrier to those looking to join. As well as those interested in the sousaphone project, the orchestra would like to hear from double bass, guitar and viola players.

For more information and up-to-date news on the campaign visit londongypsyorchestra.co.uk or email londongypsyorchestra@gmail.com