The Magnificent Archive of
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LONDON GYPSY ORCHESTRA
The London Gypsy Orchestra (LGO) was a beautiful community of musicians and dancers who poured their hearts and souls into exploring and sharing the rich, vibrant music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. This ensemble was a true family, a stunning mix of spirited amateurs and seasoned professionals all united by a shared love for a sound that stirs the spirit and moves the soul.
From its founding in 2005 to the end of its golden years around 2015, every beat of the orchestra's heart was a result of Gundula Stojanova Gruen's vision and direction. She was the driving force behind the LGO, not only as its founder and director but also as its soul. She created all the magical orchestral arrangements from her extensive fieldwork, teaching each piece by ear with a fiery passion and helping the musicians involved explore and master incredible musical skills with love, passion and strong dedication. Beyond the music, she was the artistic project creator, organizer, and tireless facilitator who brought every single concert, workshop, and collaboration to life.
For those in the audience, the LGO offered a visceral, life-changing experience. Their high-energy performances created strong emotional reactions that went far beyond getting toes tapping, leaving an unforgettable mark on every heart. For its members, the LGO was an incredible community and a home. Their shared mission to preserve and share this music became a testament to the power of human connection, showing that through concerts, workshops, and collaborations, music can build a beautiful legacy for everyone involved.
2005
January '05: The London Gypsy Orchestra is formed - London, UK
The very beginning of a musical adventure, with rehearsals led by Gundula Gruen.
13th Nov '05: Gypsy Campfire Jam - Le Quecumbar, Battersea
An informal and fun jam session led by Gundula Gruen, bringing great music to Battersea.
3rd Dec '05: Chatsworth Market Festival - Chatsworth Market, London
Our first public performance, a huge success that drew an enthusiastic crowd despite the bitter cold.
4th Dec '05: Highbury Roundhouse - Highbury, London
Our first formal concert, a wonderfully successful evening of music and dancing with friends.
6th Dec '05: Fundraising event - The Yacht Club, London
A unique and whimsical performance on a boat moored on the Thames, a novel setting for our growing group.
2006
12th Feb '06: Gypsy Campfire Jam - Le Quecumbar, London
A return to this Gypsy Jazz venue for our second jam session, with amazing musical and artistic direction by Gundula Gruen.
30th Mar '06: 'Finding Romanistan' - Genesis Cinema, London
The LGO’s first cinematic moment, as we performed at the lively closing night of this film festival.
21st May '06: Radio Gagarin - Notting Hill Arts Club, London
A soul-stirring performance that ignited the dance floor at this popular club night.
18th Jun '06: Roma Rokker Radio show - BBC Three Counties Radio
A fun live broadcast, playing for a global audience and sharing our stories on air.
7th Jul '06: Summer Concert and Gyspy Ceilidh - Dragon Hall, London
A beautifully organized and sold-out concert and ceilidh, with an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
16th Jul '06: Lambeth Country Show - Brockwell Park, London
A joyful and electrifying performance for a vast and wonderfully varied sea of people under the summer sun.
22nd Sep '06: Eltham College - Eltham, London
​A joyful concert that was met with enormous enthusiasm from students experiencing Gypsy music for the very first time.
18th Nov '06: Gypsy & Balkan Campfire Jam Session and Ceilidh - St Pauls Church Centre, London
A collaborative, joyful ceilidh joined by many musicians and the London Georgian Choir.
2007
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7th Mar '07: Resonance FM radio - Resonance FM Studio, London
A fantastic time squeezing into the studio to play a live set for this very popular radio show.
10th Mar '07: 'East Meets West' night - Inn on the Green, London
A wonderful evening of music and dancing at this great venue with a perfect dance floor.
11th Mar ’07: The Kennedy Hall - Cecil Sharp House, Camden
A monumental, breathtaking concert that filled the historic Kennedy Hall to capacity (more than 450 attendants), a true test and a milestone that proved just how Gundula has developed the orchestra. Learn more about this incredible night here.
27th Apr '07: 'A Long(ing) Journey Across Europe' - SOAS, London
A lively and energetic concert that packed the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre with over 300 students and staff.
9th May '07: European Cultural Conference - Tate Modern, London
We had the honour of performing for esteemed culture ministers on Europe Day, celebrating Eastern European culture.
13th May '07: Gypsy Jam Session and Balkan Ceilidh - Favela Chic, London
The LGO hosted this lively event, which featured many instrumentalists and open mic performances.
26th May '07: Dorchester Festival - Maumbury Rings, Dorset
A memorable performance in the sculptural 'Big White Tent', bringing our Gypsy spirit to an ancient setting.
18th Jun '07: Alternatives Summer Solstice Celebration - St James Church, London
We brought our music to this special solstice event, which was followed by some of the most enthusiastic dancing we had ever seen.
14th Jul '07: 'East Meets West' night - Inn on the Green, London
Our second show at this venue, where we received a great reception from all, including one very enthusiastic baby!
29th Sep '07: Molten Diversity Arts Festival Launch Party - Broadway Theatre, Barking
We had a fantastic afternoon performing at this arts festival, where we were joined by dancer Beverley Joffe.
30th Sep '07: Gypsy Jam Session and Balkan Ceilidh - Favela Chic, London
A joyous all-playing, all-dancing event in a sumptuous venue, led by our special guests.
4th Oct '07: The Romanian Restaurant - London
A very busy and fun evening where the audience enjoyed lively music and delicious Romanian food.
20th Oct '07: Brunswick Centre - Bloomsbury Festival, London
A playful set and Balkan dances from a huge balcony, bringing our music to the streets below.
7th Nov '07: Resonance FM radio - Resonance FM Studio, London
Gundula, Nick, and Evrah had a wonderful time sharing music that inspires the LGO on this special british radio show.
10th Nov '07: Union Chapel - Union Chapel, London
The LGO’s monumental, show-stopping concert at the Union Chapel was a truly magical night and a pivotal event of music and artistry. Learn more about this beautiful event here.
8th Dec '07: Carling Academy - Oxford
A great turnout at this popular music venue, with a wonderful workshop for fiddle players beforehand led by Gundula.
2008
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13th Jan '08: Gypsy Jam and Balkan Ceilidh - Favela Chic, London
The LGO’s lively New Year jam and dance, featuring Romanian tunes and dances.
17th Feb '08: "A Dance through the Magic Forest" Family Concert - Cecil Sharp House, London
A special children's concert filled with whimsical magic and directed by Gundula Gruen
13th Jun '08: Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month Concert -
Blackheath Concert Halls, London
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An acclaimed concert celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller history and culture, showcasing Gundula's orchestral arrangements in an elegant, renowned London venue.
14th Jun '08: Pulse Festival - South Bank, London
A high-energy afternoon performance at this major Central and Eastern European outdoor festival, delivering LGO's vibrant repertoire to the South Bank audience.
14th Jun '08: Music Club Night - St Gabriels Church, Wanstead
An immersive Balkan Music concert featuring high audience engagement, noted for spontaneous dancing and community participation in this East London venue.
26th Oct '08: Molten Diversity Arts Festival - Broadway Theatre, Barking
A powerful World Music performance directed by Gundula Gruen, at a major Diversity Arts Festival, featuring a celebrated collaboration with professional belly dancer Cynthia.
5th Dec '08: Dance Mush Launch Party - Brixton, London
Featured guest artists for the launch of a new club night, successfully injecting LGO's unique Eastern European sound into the South London club scene.
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Special mention to the launch of our first album as the London Gypsy Orchestra!
13th Dec '08: 'West Meets East' night - Inn on the Green, London
A successful, lively return to this popular venue, delivering a high-energy "West Meets East" party experience focused on Balkan dance music, masterfully directed by Gundula Gruen.
