MAZAIKA DUO
Igor Outkine (Eastern Promises) - tenor voice, acoustic and midi accordions, balalaika
Sarah Harrison - violin, domra

Repertoire: Russian folk and Gypsy songs and instrumentals,Classical and Opera, Argentine and Russian Tango, Balkan beats, Hot Club Jazz, Latin, International pop and rock and original music by Igor Outkine

The Mazaika Duo is a perfect, yet totally unconventional marriage of violin, accordion and voice, with performances full of fun, excitement and virtuosity, with emotional depth and musical subtlety. Their twinkling humour, rapport with the audience and with each other gives the audience an intoxicating experience which they will not easily forget. Mazaika can take you on a troika into the heart of Russia, where you will experience the joy and sorrow of Russian folk and Gypsy songs and the fiery passion of the gypsy violin.

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Strictly Classical Anyone unfamiliar with the classical accordion will be stunned to hear the instrument's true versatility; evoking the streets of Paris or a gypsy campfire, yes, but just as easily fooling the ear by pretending to be a chamber orchestra or an organ. Mazaika's unique repertoire of classical music and operatic arias includes works by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Sarasate, Brahms, Kachaturian, Rachmaninov, Verdi, Piazzola and others. The programme usually ends with some Russian highlights.

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Mazaika Cabaret Extravaganza in which the duo presents a brilliant evening of highlights from their Classical and Russian and Gypsy programmes, interspersed with some of their favourites from around the world, including Argentine Tango, Neapolitan song, songs from the twenties and thirties, Bluegrass, Hot Club Swing, Klezmer and popular song. Very popular on cruise ships and for corporate functions, this programme appeals to a wide audience. It can be performed self-contained or backed by a band of three pieces upwards.

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Mazaika Swing Mazaika are joined by two guitars and double bass for the evocative and exhilirating sound of Gypsy Swing. Seen recently at IGGF and Le Quecumbar, and at Samois (jamming on the campsite)

A bit of History

Mazaika was formed in 1996 after Russian accordionist and singer Igor Outkine got together with English violinist Sarah Harrison. Their mutual broad taste in music and classical background has allowed them to enjoy a wide range of music styles. Their extensive repertoire consists of Russian folk and Gypsy music, Russian and Argentinian tango, classical virtuoso showpieces, opera highlights, Neapolitan songs and French chanson, Hotclub jazz and Igor’s original compositions which always have a strong improvisational element.

Mazaika have given concerts and cabaret performances at Concert Halls and Music Festivals throughout Britain, Europe and the U.S.A. They gave three sellout performances at the Purcell Room on London's South Bank. Other notable concert venues include The QEH, St John’s Smith Square, Holders Festival in Barbados, Cambridge Summer Music Festival, Le Quecumbar, London’s premier gypsy jazz venue and the Hollywell Room in Oxford. Festivals include Rhythms of The World in Hitching, Pittenweem Arts Festival and Belladrum Festival(Scotland), Wild Flower Festival (USA). Mazaika’s Cabaret performances at the Edinburgh Fringe 2005 and 2006 were greatly received to high critical acclaim.

Mazaika also performs as a Quartet with guitarist and double bassist. Mazaika Quartet started 2006 by thrilling the audience with a stomping yet soulful performance onstage at the Russian Winter Festival in London’s Trafalgar Square. They have also appeared with their Russian band on the Terry and Gabby Show. They are in great demand for rural touring schemes in Britain.