Kosmos Ensemble in the Thames Tunnel Shaft

Event information

Wild Gypsy fiddling, emotive Jewish and Greek music glide seamlessly into hot-blooded tango, alongside Japanese and Polish inspired melodies. Harriet, Meg and Milos have crafted a programme unique to Kosmos, inspired by music from around the globe. New, imaginative arrangements by and for the Ensemble of Brahms, Dvorak, Sarasate and Piazzolla, vibrant compositions by Kosmos, entrancing dance rhythms and soulful improvisation are delivered with panache and virtuoso technique.

As described by Richard Morrison, chief music critic of The Times, Kosmos perform with “telepathic rapport, dazzling virtuosity, serious scholarship, intellectual curiosity and impeccable musicianship. I defy you not to be mesmerised.” The members of Kosmos are soloists in their own right and each bring their individual flavour to the group: Harriet Mackenzie on violin, Meg Hamilton on viola and Milos Milivojevic on accordion.

The members of Kosmos travel widely, performing with and learning from musicians from all over the world in the process and also in the unique multiculturalism of the London music scene. Having trained in the Western Classical tradition, the individual members of Kosmos have since studied music from North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, Romanian Jewish and Gypsy music, Greek rembetika, Epirotic and Island (Nissiotika) music, Russian and Hungarian Gypsy music, Argentine tango, Brazilian samba, flamenco, Celtic and jazz traditions as well as contemporary Classical music. As a group they combine all these influences freely and with great creativity, incorporating improvisation into their own unique arrangements and compositions.

Access to the venue involves bending low through a short tunnel and walking down solid scaffold stairs. We recommend an extra layer even on a warm day, and flat shoes!