Gabriel Prokofiev’s GBRL PRKFV Ensemble (UK debut concert)

A string of performances so vital and fresh that his music appears newly minted, composed by someone who’s not just an alabaster bust in a music room, but a 21st-century citizen. The Times (Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix)

Formed only one year ago, the GBRL PRKFV Ensemble performs genre-defying new classical music that responds to contemporary electronic urban life. 

After two acclaimed concerts in Brussels and Trieste earlier this year, they will make their debut London performance at the 2024 EFG London Jazz Festival, showcasing works from Gabriel Prokofiev’s most recent four albums (Pastoral21, Litvinenko, Breaking Screens & Howl) as well as interpretations of works by Messaien and Schnitke. 

Their performances combine classical virtuosity with syncopated electronics; lyrical violins with dark analogue basses; modern melodies with processed pianos; angular strings with irregular funkified beats.

A concert that can appeal to classical and jazz fans who are looking for music that genuinely connects to contemporary life; and electronic music fans who are looking for new directions in electronic music. 

In the vanguard of redefining classical music conventions. Financial Times

Biographies

Gabriel Prokofiev holds a unique position at the cross-roads between classical and electronic music. His compositions instinctively combine his contrasting backgrounds in underground electronic music (he was a Grime & electro producer in the 00s), and contemporary classical (his music has been performed by over 50 different orchestras world-wide). 

His music first gained international recognition when his genre defying Concerto for Turntables no.1 was performed at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, a work that has gone on to become one of the most performed 21st century contemporary concertos. As well as composing 9 orchestral concertos (including a Saxophone Concerto for Branford Marsalis), he has composed many works for string and live electronics (which he performs live onstage) and has performed throughout Europe, Asia and America.

In the GBRL PRKFV Ensemble he is joined by four of the most talented classical musicians in the London chamber & freelance scene:

Kasia Ziminska – violin 

Herman Ringer – violin

Freya Hicks – viola

Oliver Farrant – cello

Gabriel Prokofiev – Electronics & Synthesisers

This is a standing show as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024..