FAITH Elliott was working with Giffords Circus as an accordionist when she travelled to the Balkans to seek a Romani violinist for the circus’ next tour.
Fate and fortune led her to the Serbian village of Grabovica and violin maestro Branko Ristic.
Branko and Faith, who are now married, perform high-energy original Roma/Jazz influenced music. The Serbian Roma violinist and UK accordionist form the core of the international quartet – combining the accordion, violin, effects pedal and tabor pipe with double bass, guitar and drums. They take the audience on a journey from melancholy Roma violin laments to storming jazz improvisation, swing and Gypsy rumba.
Tickets to see Faith I Branko this Friday at 8pm at Presteigne Assembly Rooms are available for £12 from The Workhouse Gallery in Presteigne or online at www.wegottickets.com.