The world of music, arts and dance (WOMAD) festival in Taranaki this month featured a Wellington big band which won a competition for a spot at the international event.
The 26-piece Balkanistas formed less than a year ago and normally play their gypsy music to small audiences in the capital.
Wellington's Balkanistas recently played at the WOMAD festival. Photo: Supplied
So it was a big step up for the band when they performed at the WOMAD festival in New Plymouth.
They say from little things, big things grow, and the Balkanistas are testament to that.
The band is not your ordinary group, and features a violin section, trombones, trumpet, bouzouki, accordion, clarinet, drums, saxophone, vocals and guitar.
Andreas Lepper is a percussionist and leader of the band and explains why the Balkanistas are so numerous.
He says initially he wanted about three people for each instrument to ensure there were enough players for the band's performances.
The band features violins, trombones, trumpets, bouzoukis, accordion, clarinet, drums, saxophone and guitar. Photo: Supplied
But he says the sound of three accordions, three violins and three trombones was so infectious, and orchestral, that bigger seemed better.
The band plays music from the Balkans, but also surprises with songs by rock groups such as the Led Zeppelin.
The band says it then 'Balkanises' their selections.
Ana Christie is one of three violin players in the group, which she says had its origin as friends, old and new, jamming over glasses of red wine.
She didn't expect the band would get the following it has achieved, and says they're not daunted about playing at WOMAD.
Michael Costeloe, is one of the busiest members of the Balkanistas and one of the youngest at 22.
He arranges much of the music and conducts the band, while also playing trumpet and says it requires a lot of trust from the group which also has to be able to improvise during live performances.
Mr Costeloe says their arrangements are either a strict interpretation of a recording or at the other end of the spectrum, a loose interpretation such as their version of Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, only with Balkan grooves and Balkan chords.
The Balkanistas members, range in age from 20 to 60
Trombone player, Jonathan Dunne, 50, is an economist by day and says it's a real family atmosphere and there isn't the tension often found in smaller four or five piece bands.
Dejan Jeremik plays drums which is the heartbeat of any band.
He is from Belgrade, Serbia, so much of the music they play is familiar to him.
And he says they're as good as anything from his home country.
The Balkanistas performed at WOMAD alongside a line up that included Femi Kuti, Kimbra, Arrested Development, Tim Finn and Asif Ai Khan.
The band has also been recording tracks in a professional studio in Wellington for a future album release.
