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balkantu

Based in Cape Town



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Balkantu’s music is a creative blend of Balkan/Gypsy- and light Classical styles that appeal to a wide range of audiences.  Their name adequately refers to the Italian words “bella canto” which means “beautiful song”.  This Stellenbosch based group showcases flashy ‘fiddling’, versatile piano expertise and impressive ensemble playing in a great variety of humm-able, toe-tapping tunes.  They skillfully revive popular classics and well-known gypsy songs with playful improvisation while maintaining the integrity and quality of the music.   An excellent choice for added ambience at your wedding or corporate event!

The five, equally accomplished, members of Balkantu are:

Roelof Swart (violin), a well seasoned musician, used to be a member of both the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra as well as the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.  He has many years of extensive experience in professional ensemble- and solo performing throughout South Africa.

Rikus Burger (keyboard), has been active as performer, arranger, songwriter, accompanist, arranger, director, producer, choral conductor, organist and lecturer for over 20 years.  During these years he has received a great number of awards and accolades.

Abraham van den Berg (double bass),  has been actively involved in music for many years and is currently a student in Engineering at Stellenbosch University.  His talents, also as an accomplished guitarist, have leaded him to collaborate with various groups and bands in the past.  He is currently a member of the Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra.

Tertius van der Merwe (guitar), currently a software engineer, has worked as a sound engineer at various recording studios. This passionate artist has been a member of various groups, including McLeod’s Method, Free Season and ‘Wilde Als’ as guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. 

Cristelle van der Merwe (percussion) contributes to Balkantu’s unique character with her artful skills in various percussion instruments and also runs a Montessori Primary School in Stellenbosch.

SAMPLE REPERTOIRE LIST:

Gypsy Music:

  1. Abandoned
  2. Bessarabian Girl
  3. Clarinet Csárdás
  4. Czardas (Hungarian folk song)
  5. Cigarettes
  6. C MajorFriss
  7. Dobra Dobra
  8. Invitaition to dance
  9. Kalinka (Russian folk song)
  10. Kamnes
  11. March Hora
  12. Szüreti Dance

Other Music:

  1. Le Nozze de Mozart  (Balkantu arr. Based on Mozart’s “Rondo alla Turca”)
  2. Alleluia (Balkantu arr. Based on Mozart’s Alleluia)
  3. Love Theme from “Cinema Paradiso”
  4. Cavatina from “The Deer Hunter”
  5. Classical Gas (a contemporary Balkantu arrangement)
  6. Hernando’s Hideaway Tango
  7. Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”
  8. Massenet’s “Meditation”
  9. Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”
  10. Abba Medley
  11. Irish Medley