Pontardawe Arts Centre
Fri 7 Apr
Get ready for the best of Barcelona. Coming to Pontardawe Arts Centre this month is one of the greatest Balkan, Gipsy and klezmer bands you will ever hear this side of Spain. BGKO evolved out of the original Barcelona Gipsy Klezmer Orchestra; this new incarnation, formed in 2015, continues the great work they started in 2012 when BGKO emerged from the melting pot of the Barcelona music scene. Don’t expect to stay in your seat for long – this is a band to get you on your feet, just don’t trip over your jaw.
Sandra Sangiao’s stunning vocal work is capable of captivating an audience with a single note. The level of musicianship in the six virtuosi who make up the rest of the band is stunning. All hailing from different countries in Southern Europe, each musician brings their own cultural influences and traditions to the mix – but listening to their music makes naming countries and labelling genres all seem a bit pointless. BGKO move so seamlessly from jazz manouche to klezmer to Romani music it’s staggering. Every stop BGKO make on their magical musical tour, from the Basque lands to the Balkans, is another opportunity to break down the borders of Europe and celebrate the migratory nature of people and, of course, the music they make along the way.
Tickets: £12. Info: 01792 863722