Summer By The River: Faith i Branko

Leading Serbian Roma violinist Branko - ‘a performer that Paganini would be proud of’ (BBC Radio 3) and English multi instrumental virtuoso Faith, have created a unique style with their international ensemble; built from a foundation of 'Serbian-Roma' music, their original compositions draw from both of their musical heritages to communicate their intimate personal connection: ‘their music is as colourful, personal and tumultuous as their history’ (fRoots magazine, UK).

The duo met in Branko’s Serbian Roma village of Gornja Grabovica in 2009, and - with music as their only tool for communication - began a life journey that would eventually lead to the creation of their first WOMEX award-winning album ‘Gypsy Lover’, their success in international touring, television, film and radio - and Branko’s role as an important ‘Ambassador of Roma Culture’ in his own country.

Branko taught himself the violin, which became a way to escape and express the difficulties into which he was born in Serbia: raised by his aunt, often without means to purchase violin strings and battling with health and domestic issues - he created his own music as a way to connect with something ‘beyond this world’ - intuitively combining sounds of Jazz, Indian, Turkish and Classical music with his Roma traditions. Faith drove to Serbia as a young woman - on a trip to collect clips for BBC Radio; as Musical Director sourcing musicians for Giffords Circus, and to learn the unique playing style of Serbian Roma accordionists that she loved; from their first meeting in 2009 she was guided by an intuition that informed her - at every obstacle they would face - that this journey and deep creative connection was a life choice worth believing in. This joint purpose led them to build a house in the village; fund and co-create 3 albums; navigate cultural identities; design international tours; begin music schools; become well known across the Balkans - and moved them from two young musicians with no means of communication, to established recording and touring artists.

‘Their music is the language of the soul’ The Guardian

‘Moving, breathtaking and virtuosic’ BBC Radio 3

Location: The Scoop

PLEASE NOTE: All events are free - no tickets are required. Just turn up and enjoy yourself but be aware that capacity in the Scoop is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.