FILKIN'S ENSEMBLE
As the sheer joy and energy radiating from the stage combines with a sophisticated musicianship, Filkin’s Ensemble produce a musical experience like no other. In collaboration with singer Ellie Gowers, their distinctive style of ‘orchestral-folk’ forges a new path for traditional music.
The ensemble’s contemporary arrangements of traditional songs combine a string quartet, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, guitars, recorder, and orchestral percussion. This eclectic instrumental lineup joins forces with Ellie Gowers, whose work was described by The Guardian as being 'full of delicacy, precision and gentle delight'. Drawing inspiration from classical and jazz, the ensemble presents 'a powerful display of incredible compositional skills and harmonic design' (Bright Young Folk).
Filkin’s Ensemble is the bold vision of Seth Bye and Chris Roberts (aka. Filkin’s Drift) who have recently earned widespread acclaim for an 870 mile foot-powered-tour, with national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service. They also achieved global attention from major news outlets including BBC News, Billboard, The i, Radio New Zealand, Canadian Broadcasting Company, and The Times. Forming Filkin’s Ensemble in 2020, Seth Bye and Chris Roberts now bring together 14 of the UK’s finest young folk musicians in an adventurous collaboration.
"Hugely entertaining" - R2 Magazine
"They create a sound that is truly joyful" - TradFolk
"The future of folk music… a truly remarkable band" - FATEA
"Full of delicacy, precision and gentle delight" - The Guardian describing Ellie Gowers’ vocals
"A powerful display of incredible compositional skills and harmonic design" - Bright Young Folk
"An absolute joy to behold" - Totally Folked
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