Sydney Opera House Presents EMIR KUSTURICA

With a musical rebelliousness that established their immense popularity across the Balkan region in the 80’s, The No Smoking Orchestra was celebrated for combining punk with eastern folk music, launching a controversial new musical movement called The New Primitives. Today, the ensemble joyfully mines its European roots fusing strong elements of Gypsy, Greek, German, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and most especially Slavic music. With a liberal sprinkling of jazz and pop, the ensemble delivers a hybrid brand of “world music” that quite proudly defies definition.

Over two decades these inimitable musicians have inspired a massive cult phenomenon across Europe, but internationally No Smoking is best known for their musical contributions to the films of director and band guitarist Emir Kusturica (particularly "Black Cat, White Cat"). Outspoken firebrand filmmaker Kusturica is best known for winning two Palme D’or awards in Cannes for “When Father was Away” and the internationally successful “Underground”, films that tapped into the mood of rebellion that swept through his homeland. From the beginning, the orchestra were also deeply involved in the political upheaval of Yugoslavia and alongside Kusturica, fulfil their reputation as anarchic rockers, gleefully creating political as well as musical controversy.

For lovers of the music from Emir Kusturica’s cult classics, or for those who have never heard it, this delicious genre-busting collision of jazz, rock and Gypsy influences - where anything can, does and will happen - simply cannot be missed. With Special Guests Stole & The Black Train Band

“A joyous fusion of musical styles as diverse as punk, jazz and Romany folk. Awesome!" Empire Magazine

“Witty, raucous music!” New York Times

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Date: Sunday 29th June, 2008
Times:

8 – 8.30pm Stole & The Black Train Band
8.30 – 8.50pm Interval
8.50 – 9.35pm Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra
9.35 – 9.55pm Interval
9.55 – 10.40pm Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra -- www.sydneyoperahouse.com