The BALALAIKA is probably the most recognized and well-loved of
Russian folk instruments and is seen by many to be the epitomy of the
'Russian soul' ."Russian Tornado" was one of the sensational titles accorded
to the instrument by an awestruck Western press during the triumphant
first-ever world tour by a balalaika orchestra, almost one hundred years ago.
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BIBS EKKEL, prima balalaika soloist, is one of the top masters of the instrument outside Russia. His style elevates the
balalaika to the stature of concert instrument while retaining close ties with the instrument's folk heritage.
He has entertained Royalty as well as ordinary folk with his extensive repertoire in settings ranging from cabaret to symphony hall to school shows.
His song and dance company,"Tziganka", as well as his instrumental group "Russian Tornado" regularly tours N. America and he has performed as soloist throughout the world - with TV appearances in Russia, Poland, China, Britain, the US and Canada.
In 1996 he returned to his native Britain after eight years living in N. America. |
With Princess Margaret
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• Balalaika soloist • Multi-Instrumentalist • Specialist in Russian Folk Music •
other instruments include: •Domra (3-string) •Gusli •Russian button Accordion (two-row) •Piano •Guitar
- Author of Balalaika tutor & Gypsy songbook (Mel Bay Inc., USA); also BBC radio programmes on Russian singer Peter Lescenco
- Concerts, Cabaret, University Lectures, School Shows, Demonstrations on Russian Folk Music
- Possesses full range of instruments, music, archival recordings, props & costumes
- Speaks Fluent: Russian & Polish
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PRESS REVIEWS:
"Bibs Ekkel offered a brilliant rendition of Liszt's 'Second Hungarian Rhapsody' followed by
an encore in which he treacherously twirled his instrument without missing a note! He even
used his nose! ".. .Atlanta Constitution.
"A demon on the balalaika, he charmed the whole theatre ".. .Essex Chronicle.
"Brought the house down with his virtuoso playing ".. .La presse, Montreal.
TV/MOVIES:
"The Man Who Knew Too Little"
Wrote music for finale; supplied folk band. Played accordion/ balalaika
"The Saint"
Supplied Russian choir/ Gypsy Band; Romany/ Russian music/texts
"Gulag"
Acted, played balalaika in opening sequence
"Living Daylights"
Russian voice-overs
"Englishman Abroad" (BBC)
Speculator in street; Played balalaika on soundtrack; Russian advisor
"Crime & Punishment" (BBC)
Balalaika/ Guitar/ Russian Accordion; Musical research/ advisor
"Anna Karenina" (BBC)
Balalaika Coach & advisor on Russian. Gypsy songs & language
"Professional Foul"
Guitar/sang in Czech, and in English with Czech accent
"Riley, Ace of Spies"
Balalaika player in restaurant scene
"Last Night another Dissident"
Sang title song in Russian & English
"Dracula"
Russian sailor; Coached Lawrence Olivier in Russian
RECORDINGS:
"Romantic Sound of the Balalaika "
DECCA Argo ZDA-202
"The Russian Balalaika"
B & C Label BCLP-5
"Sounds of Russia"
De Wolfe Library Music Series
"Blue Skies of Russia"
Russkiy Disk, Moscow
"Songs of Russia's Gypsies"
CBS, Israel
"Beyond the Volga"
Decca, London
also "Across the Russian Steppes"; "With Caviar & Vodka"
Cassettes: Bibs Ekkel Vol. I "Balalaika"; Vol. 2 "Sleep Poor Soul"
CD: "Russian Tornado" |
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Enquiry Form and Photographs
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