ROBY LAKATOS

Roby Lakatos is a singular character in music; born into a highly musical family in Hungary in 1965, he has developed into a kind of grand old master of the popular violin, earning the nick-name ‘The Devil’s Fiddler’ for his formidable technique and thrilling mastery of Romani Gypsy folk. His ring-leader moustache, wild curls and flambouyant outfits serve to exemplify the theatre of his performance; but stripping away the larger-than-life trimmings, you will hear a fiddler of astonishing dexterity and musical soul. Lakatos first picked up the violin at age three, and performed his first recital at the tender age of six. His passion for gypsy music, jazz and the great composers continually inspires him to create his music. “Gypsy music is like jazz; the soul is the same,” he says on an a nearly-indecipherable mobile signal from China. “Whether it is the classical pieces or the gypsy music, or jazz improvisations… I want to make them dance.” Roby Lakatos is performing with his incredible 5-piece ensemble at the Sydney Opera House this Friday 17 December.

Dec 17, Sydney Opera House, $30-89, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com