The Europa String Choir is centred around Cathy Stevens (6 string Violectra) and Udo Dzierzanowski (Guitar) who started working together in 1991 as The Annexe duo.
We have developed a unique sound and repertoire, consisting mostly of original compositions that reflect our diverse backgrounds as musicians.
Since its foundation in 1993, the Europa String Choir has worked as a trio, as a quartet and currently as a duo. The ESC remains open and available to members of the past, present and future, as a supportive and challenging working environment.
Our aim is to perform music that can touch people from widely diverse backgrounds, in settings ranging from bars and community centres to art galleries and concert halls. The music is rich in variation of colour and texture, sometimes simple and lyrical, with a Celtic folk influence, sometimes intricately polyrhythmic and at other times more stridently rock oriented, though often with a touch of Bartok. We feel honoured to have been compared on occasions with the Kronos Quartet and the Penguin Café Orchestra. On the other hand, our sound and style are quite unique. A number of CDs have been released, as a trio with Alessandro Bruno (Guitar) and as a quartet with Alessandro Bruno and Markus Reuter (Touch Guitar).
A quick note to let you know my new CD of "genre-indifferent instrumental guitar music" will be released on August 26th, 2008. "One Feather Shy" can be ordered now at www. clayphonicrecords. com.
Hello there! I don't know if you have already seen this, but there is a nice review of the recent church show written by Dan barrow at www. bhone. co. uk Hope all is well, Take care, Adam
Hey Cathy + Udo, Just wanted to say thankyou so much for Monday. The whole night was very special and the collaborations worked really, really well. I agree we'll have to organise something again soon.. Thanks and take care, Adam
Hello Boys! Got you on line! How are you? I have a few questions: When a new cd? Are you going to come to Italy? Keep rockin', you're great! Ciao! Gian Piero
Billed as the South Coast's Experimental Music Collective, Safehouse, now in it's third year, operates on a monthly basis at The Lighthouse (formerly Poole Arts Centre). The collective, initiated by Steve and ZAUM cohorts Cathy Stevens and Udo Dzierzanowski, attracts a regular clientel of both players and listeners.
Free improvisation is at the heart of the venture and future plans includethe release of material recorded in the house and collaboration with other experimental artists.
"If you're looking for the key, you're at the wrong house"
To purchase Safehouse CD's please contact Adrian Newton ~ nemeton.org.uk
Safehouse 1 CD
Spontaneous compositions recorded at The Studio, Lighthouse, Poole, April/May 2005.
Safehouse 2 CD
Unsafe 3 CD
Spontaneous compositions recorded at the Unsafe 3 Festival, The Gallery, Lighthouse, Poole, 9th November 2007.