Playing the infectious, pulsating music performed by Gypsies in the Carpathian Basin and the Balkans, Kálmán Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Band will perform at the Smith Opera House.

A living illustration of the endless motion of music, Balogh and his band energetically reference a dizzying array of styles and approaches, from the flamboyantly virtuosic to the introspective, from Balkan wedding music to Latin jazz. Traditional Gypsy fiddling meets soft jazz trumpet while Hungarian, Macedonian, and Romanian tunes join together in a round dance, with references to Brahms and Liszt and Bach.

Balogh has been honing his undoubted musical skills for twenty years, playing with the best of Hungary’s folk musicians with excursions into classical, jazz and rock. The music is in their blood, and the band combine their virtuosity inherited through belonging to famous musical dynasties, with a familiarity with different musical genres and styles.

Improvisation is at the heart of their music and has broadened the band’s horizons with elements of Latin music and flamenco, swing, ragtime and klezmer. This ability is one owned by the best Roma musicians. Different styles are combined to produce a homogeneous and distinctive whole -- Gypsy music and in their case acoustic, jazzy Roma traditions from the Balkans result in a colourful, playful and totally ‘new’ music.

In addition to Balogh the band is comprised of Sándor Kuti (guitar & double bass), Sándor Budai (violin), László Mayor (violin), Ferenc Kovács (trumpet & violin), and Csaba Novak (double bass).

Kálmán Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Band bring a contemporary and uniquely forward-looking edge to time honored traditions, leaving audiences enthralled and inspired. This is a rare opportunity to see and hear one of Europe's most exciting world beat artists.

Tickets are available at the Smith Opera House box office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., by calling 315-781-LIVE (5483) or toll free 866-355-LIVE (5483), or online at www.TheSmith.org. The Smith accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover.