The Roby Lakatos Ensemble

The passionate, hot-blooded tradition of gypsy music will explode into a showcase of musical fireworks when your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra welcomes The Roby Lakatos Ensemble to their Robbins Pops series.  For two unforgettable nights at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, a musician so rarely encountered in our time joins William Eddins for an Eastern European feast for the eyes and ears. 

Roby Lakatos – also referred to as a gypsy violinist or “devil’s fiddler” – is a rare musician who defies all definition.  He is a jazz improviser, composer, arranger, and scorching performer.  His stylistic versatility is unmatched as he effortlessly mixes classical and jazz with the magic of Hungarian-gypsy idioms.  

The other members of the ensemble, Lászlo Bóni – violin, Jeno Lisztes –cimbalom, Laszlo Balogh – guitar, Lisztes Làszlo ‘Csorosz’ – double bass, and Frantisek Janoska – piano, will present a program of music deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, yet contemporized.  Music from Fiddler on the Roof, Williams’ Schindler’s List, Monti’s Csárdás, plus traditional works offer The Roby Lakatos Ensemble a stunning display of lush balladry, impossibly rapid bow passages, and finger-blurring virtuosity. 

Ticket prices range from $24 – $79 (agency fees apply), and are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.  Purchase by phone at (780) 428-1414 or 1-800-563-5081, or online at www.EdmontonSymphony.com.