Rebecca Austen-Brown fiddle, recorder, flute, psaltery Sophia Brumfitt voice Arngeir Hauksson gittern, saz, oud, symphony Corrina Silvester percussion Leah Stuttard harp

Bardos Band gathered to explore the links between medieval music and storytelling. They perform mesmerising European songs and powerful instrumental dance music from the 11th-15th centuries, infused with the flavours of Celtic, Balkan, Sephardic and Middle-Eastern traditions. Their exotic collection of instruments - the luxurious string sounds of saz, fiddle, oud and gittern; soft flutes and recorders, and intricate percussion timbre of tupan, daf, and rik - evoke the timeless tales of love, valour and faith. The group’s performances have received much acclaim. The musicians bring together broad experience and a desire to create dynamic, communicative concerts. They have played throughout the UK music festival network, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, on BBC Television, and BBC Radio 3 and 4. They have travelled around Europe, Japan, America, Hong Kong, and Brazil.

Sample Programmes:

A Song of Nothing: Words of the first troubadour, William IX of Aquitaine. Inspired by his colourful life, this programme paints the story of troubadour and goliard song and the exotic Castilian and alluring Turkish music of his travels.

Education:

Primary and secondary school interactive workshops: a tour of medieval Europe using anecdoes and the wealth of instruments to bring the times to life.
Lecture-recital: background to the music, how to find it, making a performance version.

Recordings:

Dreamsongs - Istoria Records 2005

Performances:

19 Oct 06 Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
17 May 07 Bury St Edmunds Music Festival
2 Aug 07 Music in Quiet Places Festival

Contact:

Rebecca Austen-Brown, 13 Linnet Mews, London SW12 8JE
Tel: 07974 916 599

Email: r.austenbrown@btinternet.com Website: www.bardosband.com