WOMAD

Gypsy Voices

From Poland, United Kingdom

Ricardo Czureja was born and raised in the beautiful mountain range that bestrides Poland’s southern border with Slovakia. Music was as omnipresent during his childhood as the air he breathed. He learned the violin from his father and grandfather, who were both adept at the instrument, and later won a scholarship to a local music school. In 1998, Czureja was forced to flee his homeland by the relentless discrimination and racism of his fellow Poles, and he sought sanctuary in Britain. According to him, the openness and multi-culturalism of London life has been a blessing, especially for his children. He’s performing with the Jewish violinist Rohan Kriwaczek and the Swiss accordionist Philippe Ditwe in the Gypsy Voices trio. This is a welcome chance to savour the brilliant colours, wild dexterity and unbridled passion of gypsy music.