Balkan Fairytale Party – swirling music, story and song!

“Captivating!”
“An engaging and entertaining performance!”

A Balkan dance party swirled through with enchanting songs, music and sparkling spoken word, with Gundula Gruen, The Magic Violin Trio and Sally Pomme Clayton. This joyous performance combines live music, storytelling, dance and song, taking the audience into a fairytale world! Songs and stories are drawn from the rich folk traditions of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Gundula Gruen is a virtuosic violinist who has studied with gypsy musicians, she is director of ‘The Magic Violin’ and has composed and arranged all the music. The audience hear and see live musical instruments up-close, join in with songs and gestures, sounds and rhythms. Come and join the party

‘The Cat who played the violin’ is a silly, funny, animal fairytale with a musical cat, a singing rooster and a greedy fox whose hungry daughters need to be fed! When Sir Cockadoodle is about to be cooked, Puss-Cat picks up her fiddle. Can music save the day? The audience are invited to join in with songs, sounds, gestures, clapping, and a circling dance. Each character in this whimsical love story has its own unique musical theme, brought to life by the enchanting melodies of the Magic Violin Trio. Pomme weaves a tale that draws from rich European folklore, blending elements of Eastern European and Balkan traditions. Join in with the rhythm, tap your feet to a simple dance, and enter a fairytale world where the animals talk and wishes come true.

‘The Seven Swans’ was commissioned by The Royal Opera House (2024). It is a magical fairytale where a bold girl sets out to find her brothers who have been turned into swans, break the spell and set them free. The music is drawn from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’, composer and violinist Gundula has turned the melodies into whirling Balkan folk tunes, infused the story with the ethereal beauty of Swan Lake melodies that will set your heart soaring and toes tapping! The story takes the audience on a mystical, musical journey. Meet the nettle witch, seven swans, Sun, Moon and Morning Star, and the gnome of the glass mountain! Follow the heroine, joining in with gestures, sound effects and rhythms, and be transported to a world of magic and wonder.