Balladeste

Balladeste is a collaboration between cellist Tara Franks and violinist Preetha Narayanan. Writing all new music collaboratively, this unique string duo interweave contemporary minimalism, Indian classical and folk to create all original compositions that are vibrant and experimental yet melodic and filmic in quality ‘songs without words with an alt-folk experimental twist’. Having released 3 acclaimed albums of all original music to date, the duo have performed live and been interview on BBC Radio 3 In Tune, Radio 4 Woman’s hour, Soho Radio and NTS.

Drawing on influences as far ranging as the singular melodies of visionary Hildegard of Bingham, the modal minimalism of Arvo Pärt, harmonic palette of Purcell via the minimalism of Philip Glass, Balladeste's musical breadth is equally akin to the likes of Caroline Shaw and Liam Byrne as the Madras String quartet and Silk Road Ensemble.

"Absolutely stunning" BBC Radio 4 - Anita Rani (Woman's Hour)

“defies easy definition...very very special indeed” BBC Radio 3 In Tune - Katie Derham

Please note, Balladeste will be performing as part of our Music In The Wild programme, please see the free booking information on the Music In The Wild page.