It’s impossible not to smile – and move – watching trumpet master Džambo Agušev and his orchestra performing their spirited style of Macedonian folk. Playing a fusion of traditional Balkan, Gypsy and Turkish music influenced by swing, jazz, pop and film music, the Džambo Aguševi Orchestra is one of the Balkans’ top brass bands. From humble beginnings in the small Macedonian city of Strumica to conquering stages across the globe, the orchestra has also won the all-important band competitions in the Balkans, including Kumanovo Trumpet Festival, where they came first every year from 2006 to 2011, after which they were ‘banned’ to give other musicians a chance. Dynamic, fierce, funky and innovative, the Džambo Aguševi Orchestra’s extraordinary musical skill and unstoppable energy bring the party.

Workshop:

This workshop explores the powerful traditions of Balkan brass music through rhythm, melody, and collective performance. Led by trumpet virtuoso Džambo Agušev, the session introduces the orchestra's history, musical roots, and how they create and arrange compositions together. The musicians will demonstrate key Balkan rhythms and performance techniques before inviting the audience to participate by learning a simple rhythm and singing a short section of a well-known song with the band.