Bibs Ekkel

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Bibs Ekkel


Img_capt = Bibs with Balalaika and Garmoshka.
Img_size = 200
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Vyvyan John Ekkel
Born = birth date and age|1946|01|11
Origin = Brighton, U.K.
Instrument = Balalaika, Garmoshka, Guitar, 7 String Guitar, Piano
Genre = Russian Folk, Russian Gypsy,
Occupation = Balalaika player, Composer, Singer, Songwriter, Bandleader, Author
Years_active = 1960's - present
Associated_acts = Tziganka, Russian Tornado,
URL = [http://www.balalaika.co.uk/ www.balalaika.co.uk]
Notable_Instruments=

Born 11th January 1946 in Brighton, of a mixed Polish-English background, Bibs Ekkel is one of few outstanding exponents of the balalaika outside Russia. His career as a professional balalaika player has covered concerts, cabaret, recordings, films and innumerable radio and T.V. appearances throughout Europe and North America. It has earned him recognition too in the balalaika's Motherland, where he has performed on radio and TV as well as at Moscow's prestigious "Hall of Columns" and "Tchaikovsky Hall". He has lectured on Russian folk music at U/S/ Universities, co-authored a BBC radio educational series on the subject and worked as Russian music adviser for several BBC TV productions. He has also had Russian or Polish speaking roles in a variety of movies. In addition to his activities as a soloist, Bibs Ekkel runs a highly successful Russian music and dance ensemble, "Tziganka", which has toured internationally since 1975, an instrumental quartet "Balalaika Potpourri" (started by him in Vancouver in 1989, soon after his move there from London) and the duo "Russian Tornado", specifically aimed at school concerts. Some of his many recordings have been issued by "Russkiy Disk" Moxcow, CBS Israel, and "Decca" in London.

Please visit his website; [http://www.balalaika.co.uk www.balalaika.co.uk]

More about the life and work of the artist, coming soon..