Brighton Festival – Balkan Brass Battle: Fanfare Ciocarlia Vs Boban Marcovic

This brass-off between two of Balkan music’s biggest names was the festival’s real party night. With each band taking turns, this proved incredibly entertaining. First, Romanian veterans Fanfare Ciocarlia, whose slightly older-fashioned tuba (though not old-fashioned), with frenetic trumpet showboating and lively dance beat, were a marvel to behold. Juxtaposed was younger Serbian trumpeter, Boban Markovic and the Marko Marcovic Orchestra, working the crowd with clap-alongs and popular favourites, blending gypsy with samba spectacularly. As the two joined forces for an epic climax, their dazzling musicianship and carnival spirit wouldn’t let the party end there, with Markovic men dancing with audience members ’til late.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 21 May

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