A heritage of songs and stories with The London Gypsy Orchestra

“Songs are a golden heritage.”
Gypsy saying

Come to the Balkan Organ Carnival! This special concert at St John’s Church, Notting Hill, celebrates the restoration of the Grade II listed  organ and the Notting Hill carnival. The church have commissioned a new composition from Gundula Gruen, director of The London Gypsy Orchestra. ‘One day in Grunistan’ is a micro-symphony for Gypsy Orchestra, organ, and steel pan. The piece re-creates a day in a fictional place, with different movements taking the listener from ‘grumpy morning’ to vibrant ‘village dance’.  Meet the village donkey, visit the market place, drink Turkish coffee and have a siesta! Gundula’s composition combines folk structures, experimental harmonisation, baroque counterpoint, Balkan rhythms and Calypso energy. Paul Ayres will be playing the organ, Jennie Gilberg the steel pan, and the wonderful London Gypsy Orchestra will bring 35 of its members. Gundala’s piece is thrilling, moving and totally unique! As the proverb says: ‘There is no entertainment without a gypsy!’

I am honoured to have been asked by The London Gypsy Orchestra to give a pre-concert talk, and tell a story during the concert. I will tell the story of the organ and its long journey to restoration, talk about the history of the steel pan, interview some of the musicians, and tell a gypsy story or two! I hope I can bring to life the heritage of  stories hidden inside the songs and instruments.

Saturday 24th August
The London Gypsy Orchestra  – Balkan Organ Carnival
St. John’s Church
Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill, London, w11 2nn.
Pre-concert talk 6pm
Concert  7.30pm
Tickets are available to buy on the door
or click here to buy tickets in advance.