From Constantinople to Hawick: A Rhythmic Balkan Journey @ Hawick Music Club, Scotland

On Sunday, 29th March 2026, starting at 7.00pm, I am going to perform at the Evergreen Hall, Hawick, Scotland, a selection of original and traditional Balkan tunes. The event is organised by the Hawick Music Club.

Here's the programme. 

Part One (60 minutes) – Solo Bouzouki with Commentary
Viktor will perform a selection of Greek classic and Macedonian folk tunes, offering insights into the music between pieces. He will play and explore the history and character of traditional dances such as hasapiko (born in the Butcher's Guild of Constantinople), tsamiko, and aptaliko, and discuss the development of Aksak (asymmetric) rhythms in Macedonia and Bulgaria — including time signatures like 5/8, 7/8, 9/8, and the complex 18/8 (7+7+5/8). 

Part Two (60 minutes) – Duo and String Quartet
Viktor will be joined by vocalist Gina for a selection of traditional songs arranged for two voices, performed without commentary.
The evening concludes with a piano quartet joining for several of Viktor's original compositions, arranged for bouzouki and strings.

The Trinity Bells Piano Quartet:

• Aana Neves - Violin
• Zhenquo Cai - Violin
• Elio Aliaj - Viola
• Felix Ottaway O’Mahony - Keyboard

The repertoire:

• Gnossienne No 1 by Satie
• Three pieces written by Viktor and arranged by Andy Sherwood
  • Knife
  • Dreams in Colour
  • Music of Graciousness