The Bluebelle Trio specialises in music from the first half of the 20th century, adding the magic of jazz to the romantic and popular songs of that era. The trio delivers captivating performances that create a sophisticated atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for special occasions like wedding banquets, birthday receptions and elegant dinners. Our repertoire features a blend of beautiful background music with lively Latin and swing to create a bespoke mixture of moods for your celebration.
The Bluebelle Trio features vocals, piano, violin and clarinet. Each of us is an accomplished performer in our own right, regularly seen on the stages of concert halls, festivals, theatre shows and recording studios, as well as appearing at exclusive private gatherings. Our professionalism and artistry always leave audiences delighted, making us the preferred choice for distinctive occasions that demand our sensitivity and sophistication.
Formed in 2017, the Bluebelle Trio emerged from a collaboration between Nicola and Gundula with composer Eric Sanders. In the 1930s, Eric was a young man in Vienna, soaking up the timeless music of that era. He fostered our own dedication to performing and preserving those enchanting melodies. Eric passed away in 2021 at the remarkable age of nearly 102, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Bluebelle Trio.
about The Bluebelle Trio
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​‘Stunning presentation of the music from the 1930s’
Book Launch, Austrian Cultural Forum, Knightsbridge June 2018
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‘Thank you for your warm and professional demeanour as well as the
wonderful music.’
Book Launch, BAFTA Piccadilly September 2017
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‘Thanks for coming again to help us with this event, it added so much and
we hope to see you again soon’
Award Presentation, Austrian Cultural Forum, Knightsbridge,
December 2018​
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‘A great trio - thanks for playing the lesser-known tunes from the 30s’
Fund-raising event, Stanley Halls, June 2019
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Please come again – really enjoyed your repertoire, hearing my favourite old songs sang and played so well’ - Lunch Club, Croydon, December 2019​​​​
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‘Absolutely charming and exactly what we wanted’ - Birthday party, Browns, Covent Garden, Dec 2020
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‘The perfect soundtrack to a significant birthday’ - Birthday Party, Ruskin House Club, Jan 2022
The Bluebelle Trio Musicians
Nicola Burnett Smith
Nicola started her career as an actor and musician in the 80s, touring all over the UK and the world in theatre productions that made use of her skills as a leading actor, vocalist and woodwind player. She loves singing and playing jazz and currently enjoys composing music inspired by poetry and the female voice for her ‘Out of Place’ project.
Gundula Stojanova Gruen
Gundula originally graduated as a classical violinist in Germany and then started exploring the music of Romany people, including improvisation and jazz. Having moved to London 20 years ago, she has become a highly sought-after specialist in Eastern European and Balkan Romany music, performing all over the world and with her band Tatcho Drom.
Fraser Parry
Fraser is a multi-talented composer, arranger, pianist, cellist, improviser. Raised in Glasgow, he has been based in London for the past 10 years, working on experimental theatre projects, playing with his own band Try Happy and playing cello with Gundula’s band Tatcho Drom. We are delighted to have him in the Jazz Walk Trio.