Mazaika

Mazaika have been performing together for over 20 years since their first chance meeting in the Tsars Bar at the Langham Hilton. Their shows are full of Russian Soul, Tango Passion, Classical Virtuosity and sparkling humour! Their vast repertoire includes Russian folk and Gypsy, Classical, Opera, Argentine and Russian Tango, Jazz, Latin, Italian, French Chanson, Gypsy Swing, Klezmer, Viennese waltz, Retro Pop, Irish, Bluegrass, Shanties and evocative original material inspired by all of the above. And if its not in their repertoire they can learn almost any song or piece of music for a negotiable fee! They can perform acoustic in a very intimate setting, perhaps as a surprise popping up incognito...but they can also fill a stage of any size. They are perfect for weddings, providing both background music during the drinks reception and a surprise showstopper or two between courses at the wedding breakfast. And you can be sure they will get every generation and every nationality on the floor with their dance set! Haven't popped the question yet? Let them help make it a yes! Mazaika have accompanied successful marriage proposals including aboard a private jet, a gondola, the Orient Express, the London eye, and several romantic serenades under windows! They are also great for Birthday and Christmas parties, Anniversaries, Bamitzvahs and pretty much anything else! They have their own sound systems to suit any occasion including radio mics so they can roam even at a large function and they are usually pretty successful taking requests! They also love to work totally acoustic. Mazaika have played for celebrities, including Sean Connery, Sting, Roger Moore, Hal David, several major Royals and most recently Russell Brand! They have worked with notable artists including Antonio Forcione, Fascinating Aida, Nitin Sawhney and Akram Kahn and Igor appeared on screen playing Russian song Dark Eyes in the David Cronenberg film Eastern Promises. Notable venues include: The QEH, The Purcell Room, St Johns Smith Square, Cadogan Hall and 3 successful runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, plus many Summer Festivals including Latitude, Glastonbury, Womad and Broadstairs Folk Week. They have worked as a Cabaret on top cruise lines including Royal Carribean, Holland America, Saga Princess and Fred Olsen. They have played in most of Londons top Hotels including The Savoy, Ritz, Hiltons, The Lainsborough, Browns and the Sheraton Grand. Cabaret and Burlesque appearances include Black Cat Cabaret at Cafe de Paris, Flash Monkey, Yes Yes Yes, Dusty Limits Late night Cabaret at the Bongo Club (Edinburgh festival) and Count Indigos nights at Madame Jojos and Bethnal Green Working Mens Club. 'Hugely entertaining... the duo frequently brought the house down''**** The Scotsman [Edinburgh Festival] 'An evening of magic and passion’ The Independent. “A lovely tenor voice…by the end of the evening the Purcell Room had become a tavern” The Independent ' after a decade or so in London, he has lost none of his native musical ability on accordion or as a bel canto tenor. The duo's irreverence, including introducing Harrison's virtuoso violin flourishes as if playing at the Queen Vic, and sundry comic turns, help give their musical sketches a real sense of pace. Yet for all their larking around, when the music demands gravitas and expression, it's there in spades. '**** The Herald Their music feels like a dazzling escape into a world where people dance on tables with roses between their teeth." ***** Tina Jackson, Metro "Sheer heaven - stirring, passionate and highly entertaining” *****The Three Weeks review, Edinburgh Festival “Wistful accordion… the worlds first headbanging accordionist” The Guardian “You are the best entertainer I’ve ever seen, and I saw Elvis!!!” Audience member at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club