Leading Serbian Roma violinist Branko Ristic – ‘a performer that Paganini would be proud of’ [BBC Radio 3], and English ‘passionate nimble-fingered accordionist’ Faith Ristic [Rhythms Magazine, Australia] perform virtuosic original Roma-influenced music with their international ensemble.
The duo met in Branko’s Romani village in 2009, and – with music as their only tool for communication – began a journey that would lead to their marriage, their last album ‘Gypsy Lover’ being placed in the top 10 World Music Charts, a successful international touring schedule and a soon to be released documentary. From a foundation of ‘Serbian-Roma’ music, Faith i Branko have created a style that draws from both of their musical heritages and expresses their unique personal connection. This forms an original set with a storming ensemble which is joyous, passionate, tragic and virtuosic: ‘their music is as colourful, personal and tumultuous as their history’ – fRoots
Faith i Branko recently featured in the Guardian Weekend Magazine, completed a 43-venue tour of Australia and New Zealand – including main stage performances at Port Fairy Festival and The National Folk Festival – and are due to release their PRS sponsored Album with World Music Network (Rough Guides) with assistance from Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra.
Their Serbian Film Fund sponsored documentary ‘Faith i Branko’ shall tour film festivals in 2019. Over the last year they have performed at Rosa Sinta Festival (Netherlands); Culture Nomade (Switzerland); The Royal Festival Hall (UK); The Southbank Centre; Wilderness Festival, Bestival; Boomtown and Glastonbury among others. Radio play includes BBC Radio 3 Live Sessions, World Service with Stephen Fry, BBC Radio 6 and ABC Sydney. Social Media hits are over 70,000 and they have a huge international fan base within the Roma community.