The music of Beskydy has its roots in the dance rhythms and songs of Moravia, Bohemia and Slovakia, through whose lands the Beskydy mountains run hence the name.Their music could be described as East-West folk with dance. The songs tell of cultural customs, laments and desires and can be comically philosophical in celebrating the enjoyment of life despite its trials and tribulations. Beskydy’s performances, whether in front of a large or small audience is, like the music, inclusive and shared with the audience, who, whenever possible, take to the floor for the infectious dance numbers.
From traditional dance music to songs, Beskydy create magic and presence with their exceptional musical ability.
Voice, strings, clarinet, percussion and accordion define the distinctive Beskydy sound.
Beskydy’s repertoire embraces the music of the Hungarian plains, the Danube basin and all the way down to the Black Sea, the souks and coffee-houses of Istanbul and across the sea to the bordellos of Odessa. Across these ancient trade routes, jews, gypsies, Ottomans, Celts and Magyars travelled carrying songs which endlessly re-invented themselves and crossed all political boundaries. Their music is Beskydy’s inspiration.
Beskydy have performed at amongst other venues; The Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank, Union chapel, Arts Centres, Womad, Hackney Empire and have played several cafe series concerts at the The Royal Albert Hall, provided Foyer Music at The National Theatre and The Royal Festival Hall.
They have toured, played numerous festivals and were greatly privileged to perform on Loose Ends for the late Ned Sherrin. They were commissioned by the Victoria & Albert Museum along with The Real Tuesday Weld for their ‘Propaganda from the State of Love’ show. They have also been awarded ’Critics Choice: Live Performance’ in Time Out Magazine.