Max Reinhardt’s (BBC Radio 3 Late Junction) description of Fran and Flora as ‘a string duo bound for glory’ seems a somewhat prophetic statement now. Now, more than ever, there is a thirst for musical authenticity, a glimmer of light among a sea of homogenous music fed by social media clicks and algorithm playlist chasers.
What sets the music of Francesca Ter-Berg and Flora Curzon apart is their unbridled dedication to presenting their unique and personal take on musical influences gathered from their travels and mentors in Eastern Europe. Years of mutual collaboration and an incredibly deep musical bond has resulted in some of the most intuitive and authentic music today.
Their music’s reach has spread like ripples since the release of their debut album UNFURL last year, not just with the public but also with fellow experimental contemporaries such as Portico Quartet. Francesca tells us they worked on Portico’s previous two albums and have been friends for several years and that they Portico were “excited to remix a track.” Taken from that album, listen to their remix of La Obreja, a traditional song from Banat, Transylvania.
With music so infused with modes and forms from traditional Transylvanian, Klezmer, Romanian, Greek and Armenian music, which they have studied for over a decade with teachers of such folk traditions, it’s no surprise that they should be so excited about presenting it in a unique space steeped in an equally enthralling history. The Old Baths of Hackney Wick were built in 1934 when they served the local community with washing facilities in the form of slipper baths and was a safe space where everyone would meet regularly. With its rare blend of Art Deco and Modernist style, the building continues as a community centred space “for free expression, creativity and connection with mother nature and with each other.” Considering the broad-ranging influences at play in their music and that Hackney Wick boasts one of the largest creative communities in Europe, it’s no surprise that this upcoming gig should feature so prominently on their musical journey to date. Francesca:
“The gig next Tuesday 10th March is very special as it marks just over a year since we released our first album and we will be playing with the albums co-producer Sam Beste (the Vernon Spring/Hejira/kano). It’s in a beautiful venue, The Old Baths in Hackney Wick, complete with vegan green cafe and sofa lounge area! And the super act is renowned electric bass player Ruth Goller’s (Melt yourself down/Rokia Traore/vula vile) female project SKYLLA with an all-star line-up including Alice Grant and Lauren Kinsella (jazz vocalist of the year/Snow Poet). A great female-led special show with set design, ambient lighting, immersive sound and so close to international women’s day!”
Get your tickets here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/London/The-Old-Hackney-Baths/Fran–Flora/13736794/
https://www.facebook.com/FranandFlora/
Photo Credit: Ilme Vysniauskaite