Balkan Sensation Bregovic Comes to Symphony Center

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 13, 2011 8:20PM

Bosnian singer and composer Goran Bregović is an electric performer with an open musical mind. Combining Gypsy brass with electric guitar, a church choir and both traditional and Bulgarian rhythms to form his 19-piece Wedding and Funeral Orchestra.

Bregović's compositions incorporate elements of rock and classical music into Balkan music foundation, making him an in demand film scorer. He scored Emir Kusturica's Time of the Gypsies and Arizona Dream; songs from the latter film were performed by Iggy Pop. A number of Bregović's songs can also be heard in the film Borat. Even though his music is rooted in the centuries-old traditions of the Balkans, Bregović makes no bones about the influence of rock in his music. If you're a fan of Gogol Bordello, Bregović is right in your musical wheelhouse and his stage show, while not as frenetic as Gogol Bordello's is no less energetic.

Bregović brings his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra to Symphony Center for a show tomorrow night and the acoustics of the orchestra hall should be an amazing ally for his music.

Goran Bregović's Wedding and Funeral Orchestra plays Symphony Center tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$85 and may be purchased by calling 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114, online at cso.org, or by visiting the Symphony Center box office at 220 S. Michigan Ave.