To celebrate, I’m sharing a little slice of high-energy joy: the final Gypsy Swing section of Zigano, performed with my wonderful partner-in-crime, Jeremy. There’s something about the "Manouche" spirit that just feels like a proper party, isn't it? 🥂💃 This excerpt captures the Magic Violin soul at its most playful. Jazz is all about freedom and conversation, and there’s no conversation I enjoy more than a fast-paced swing with a dear friend. Enjoy this moment with us!!

We are continuing our 20th-anniversary celebrations, and this time, we’re bringing the journey to the lovely, historic Chichester Inn! 🎻

The Devil’s Lentil Soup is BACK on the stove! 🍲🔥 We’ve reheated this fan-favorite tale with a brand-new Remastered Version, produced by the Magic Violin herself, Gundula Stojanova Gruen, and recorded by the legendary Tatcho Drom. In this snippet, Greetings From Kalotaszeg sets the stage as the devil decides to climb up to earth for some fresh air. Experience the vibrant, dark, and whimsical world of Eastern European rhythms as you’ve never heard them before. From infernal

Whether you play a violin, a guitar, a mandolin, or even an oud, if you can carry a melody or hold down a rhythm, there is a chair with your name on it. We’ll be learning by ear to really capture the "sighs" and "shouts" of the music, with sheet music to help us along the way 🎼 The Details: 📅 When: Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May 2026 📍 Where: Benslow Music, Hitchin (UK) 🎭 Tutor: Gundula Stojanova Gruen

Jeremy and I will be looking back through our archives to perform a repertoire hand-picked from my fieldwork travels — from soulful Hungarian laments to the spirited songs of the Sinti Romani 🌍🎻 We are delighted to be working with Folk and Roots (folkandroots.co.uk) to bring this celebration to the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Church Gardens in Camden Square!

My beloved  Magic Violin String Trio is looking for a new cellist to join our family, and I’m wondering if it might be you? If you’re based in London or nearby (or further afield but reachable!) and fancy trading the standard repertoire for a bit of a creative flutter, I’d love to have a chat.

I’m absolutely delighted to be heading to the wonderful Bridge Farm Bristol on Sunday 17th May for a rather special Balkan Music Workshop.

If you’ve been looking for a musical home, look no further. At the Balkan Village Band, we take great pride in being a lively community group filled, quite honestly, with the loveliest people in the world. It’s a supportive, "no-stress" environment in London where the music is fiery but the welcome is warm ☕❤️

A gentle nudge for those of you looking to broaden your musical horizons this May! I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Benslow Music in Hitchin from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May for a deep dive into the soul of the Balkans 🌍🎻