Iva Bittová’s countryman Milan Kundera wrote how Europe’s “small nations” form another Europe. The violinist-vocalist may be ‘small nation’ Czech but her musical worldview and visionary creativity acknowledge no borders. Her powers of spontaneous creativity are more bountiful than it is fair to confer on one person. Witness and marvel.
From a background that encompasses classically-trained violin, folk-singing, and performance art (including collaboration with renowned Marina Abramović), Abraham Brody brings us into the rich and earthy world of his Lithuanian and Ukrainian roots. He creates innovative compositions and arrangements based on the ancient traditions of Lithuania–reinventing and reworking Rye-reaping chants, Midsummer songs, and rain invocations, often using loop pedals and other effects to spin an enticing, contemporary style sound-world. The combination of violin, loop pedals, jew’s harp, and other traditional instruments are drawn together by Abraham’s powerful voice, in a performance which brings us from bustle of city life back to our ancient roots, through the dreamy melodies of Lithuania and Ukraine.
“..a fine musician […] vibrant colours with plenty of virtuosity [..]An unexpected and arresting experience.”– Michael Church, Review, the Independent, February 2015
