Gypsy It!
Gypsy It! with the Czureja Family
Hackney citizens now have an unusual opportunity to Gypsy it! and learn Gypsy music and dance from the professionals.
Starting later this month, the London Gypsy Orchestra and the Czureja Gypsy family will be giving two months of lessons in Gypsy music and dance in Clapton.
The London Gypsy Orchestra, founded by Gundula Gruen in 2005, which performs original arrangements of traditional Eastern European and Balkan folk music, is the biggest ensemble of its kind in Europe.
Gundula 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, Gundula plays in a number of small ensembles, the newest of which is Tatcho Drom.
The Czuerja family are traditional Romany musicians and dancers from Poland. After facing discrimination, Ricardo Marek and his family immigrated to England in 1998.
He emphasises how much he enjoys the opportunity London has provided for his family to learn alongside those from other cultures. He is an advocate of education through association; this attitude is demonstrated by his current ensemble, the Romany Diamonds, which is comprised of people from different cultures.
The weekly lessons start on Saturday 22 January, following a free taster session at 3pm Saturday 15 January.
All events will be at the Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Clapton E5 OPU.
Thanks to funding through the Grassroots organisation, the music and dance sessions are available at a reduced price of £4/£2(concessions) for one class; or £6/£3(concessions) for both classes. If you block book for six weeks, the first class is completely free. Music classes are 3-4pm, and dance classes are 4-5pm.
All instruments are welcome at the music classes, but those who come are advised to be of at least a grade three standard. Teaching is by ear, so it is a good idea to bring a recording device if you have one.
The dance classes are open to anyone – beginners are certainly welcome! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow both big steps and little jumps.
For further information, contact Gundula Gruen: 07879 462 199, gundula@magicviolin.co.uk.