Gypsy Magic

Highlights:
* One of the UK's leading Gypsy ensembles
* Performing a wide range of Gypsy and folk music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans, including music from Goran Bregovic and from Emir Kustorica movies
* Authentic music to captivate audiences with time-honoured soul and spirit
* Colourful flamboyant handcrafted traditional Gypsy performance outfits
* Dancers available for Gypsy dance performance and as callers for barn-dance like social dancing in Balkan style
* Flexible line-up to suit your budget, venue and occasion
* Fully self-contained with PA and lighting available

The Team:
Gundula Stojanova Gruen – Violin + Vocals
Alexandar Ivanov – Accordion
Jeremy Halliwell – Guitar
Fraser Parry – Cello + Vocals
Sass Hoory – Darbuka + Percussion
Linda Giogeva Toteva - Balkan and Gypsy Dance, caller for social dancing

Their Performance:
Gypsy Magic is a charismatic ensemble specializing in Eastern European, Balkan, and Gypsy music performances for artistic and entertainment events. The quintet consists of violin/vocals, accordion, guitar, percussion/drums, and cello. Their repertoire covers the famous Balkan Gypsy repertoire, alongside vibrant folk melodies and enchanting ballads from regions east of the Danube.

Gypsy Magic’s captivating performances are sought after by clients who love their music, as well as individuals looking to infuse their events with a special touch. Their shows uplift, stimulate and add a hint of exoticism, leaving an enduring impression on guests and patrons.

Gypsy Magic can be engaged as a dynamic dance band as well as to provide ambient music during receptions and sophisticated dinners.

In collaboration with their Balkan Gypsy dancer they are also renowned for their exquisite music and dance show, lauded by past clients as a ‘magnificent cultural experience’.

Their repertoire is inspired by the charisma of Esma Redžepova, the virtuosity of Taraf de Haïdouks, the fame of Goran Bregovic, the dance energy of Balkan Brass and the humour of Emir Kusturica.

In a performance from Gypsy Magic,you can expect traditional music from Russia; Hungary; Bulgaria; Romania; the former Yugoslavia and beyond. Vocals are in the original language of each region, including Gypsy Romany language.

Gypsy Magic typically delivers two to three sets of 45 minutes each, perfect for receptions and dancing. Their performance schedule offers flexibility to accommodate first dances at weddings, fitting around speeches, and engaging in various other event activities.

“A Gypsy consommé with a satanic pulse” - Garth Cartwright, Songlines Magazine.

“They even managed to get our normally staid audience up on their feet dancing - and singing as well!”

Flexible Line-up:

1. 5-piece music ensemble as listed above (most common): Ideal line-up for large venues and dance-oriented events.
2. 4-piece ensemble (Violin/vocals, guitar, accordion, percussion OR cello): Suited for smaller venues and budgets, still delivering ample sound for dancing.
3. 3-piece (violin/vocals, guitar, accordion OR cello): Offers an intimate sound for receptions and background music, fitting well in smaller venues.
4. 2-piece (violin/vocals, guitar): The most compact setup for ceremonies and background music.
5. The dancer can be booked alongside the musicians as a show performer, dance caller, or both. Suitable for options 1. and 2. exclusively.
   
   

Previous Experience
Gypsy Magic is led by virtuoso violinist, singer and ethnomusicologist Gundula Stojanova Gruen. She has extensively travelled, researching Balkan Gypsy Romany music, and transcribing melodies firsthand from Romany and folk musicians. Gundula’s unique performance style showcases her technical ability acquired through intensive conservatoire training along with her in-depth understanding of musical traditions.

“Bavarian-born violinist Gundula (…) imparts the true soul of Gypsy music, full of colour and passion, an explosion of energy…” Vesti News, Serbian Diaspora Newspaper

The rest of the players who make up Gypsy Magic are highly acclaimed musicians, boasting qualifications from prominent institutions throughout Europe. They have performed concerts and collaborated on a variety of projects to great acclaim. The ensemble can be seen at festivals and theatres throughout Europe, and has appeared on screen in various TV productions including the documentary How Music Works on UK’s TV Channel 4 and ‘Farkli Kültur – Ayne Muzik’ for TRT (Turkish state television).

“Gypsy Magic's energy is contagious and that carried across the audience tonight” 

Past bookings for weddings and functions encompass European Bank dinners, birthday and wedding parties for Slavic Oligarchs, Balkan conferences at top hotels, as well as performances at the Royal Opera House and the Tate Modern.