Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble

Opening for Ivan Lins

Music fans with long memories will certainly recall when Victoria was lucky enough to have Romanian violin virtuoso Lache Cercel living and performing here. Originally one of Romania’s classical violin superstars, Cercel always had deep roots in his country’s Roma and gypsy traditions; after moving to Canada in 1987, he furthered his studies in klezmer, jazz and various forms of world music. Like a latter-day Django Reinhardt, Cercel has woven together a unique tapestry of sound that perfectly integrates jazz improvisation with traditional European music forms. The spirited result, what Cercel has dubbed “Roma swing”, is pure musical magic. Lache’s quintet will include Don Oglvie amongst others.