Press Release

ignite - Free lunchtime music series at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall proudly presents the next ignite season of 2007. ignite is a free lunchtime music series taking place most Fridays from July to September. The series takes place from 12 noon until 1.30pm and features talented young ensembles in the relaxed atmosphere of the Café Consort. You can come and hear some fantastic music for free whilst enjoying great food and drink.

Once again this series is crammed full of fantastic music from flamenco to Latin jazz. It features some exciting new groups including TG Collective and Zig as well as some ignite favourites including The Huckleberries and Plastic Chairs. What better way to start your weekend!

Zig

Friday 20 July 2007 - 12 noon

German-born violinist Gundula Gruen, plays using the true soul of Gypsy music - bursting with colour and passion and in an explosion of energy. Gundula started ŽiG in 2004 and drives the group with her spirit and motivation. She is joined by accordion virtuoso Živorad Nikolic, Oliver Baldwin with his Balkan Bass and Serbian darbuka player Rastko Rasic. Join them on a journey through Eastern Europe and the Balkans - zigduo.com

Caratinga

Friday 27 July, 12 noon

Samba’s roots lie in a history of fabulous acoustic music stretching back well over a century. With a fabulous Anglo-Brazilian line-up featuring Anselmo Netto on mandolin and percussion, Leandra Varanda on vocals, Felipe Karam on cavaquinho and violin and Jonathan Preiss on 7-stringed guitar, Caratinga bring the irresistible rhythms and beautiful melodies of this great tradition to life in wonderful acoustic music and song. caratinga-music.co.uk