World music redefined
Kosmos redefine the relationship between classical and world music. They’re impossible to categorize. United by a shared passion for music from around the globe and the rigours of both classical training and improvisation, each member of Kosmos is an international soloist in their own right and brings individual flavour to the group.
“Telepathic rapport, dazzling virtuosity, serious scholarship, intellectual curiosity and impeccable musicianship, I defy you not to be mesmerised” Richard Morrison, The Times
“Revelatory...their wild synthesis of tango arrangements, Jewish folk songs, Leonard Bernstein riffs and improvised takes on Vaughan Williams was an unexpected gift: brilliantly done” Michael White, The Telegraph
“Major verve and musicality...the way the three of them work together, seamlessly swapping melodic and accompanist roles can be as breath-taking as it is moving...Each piece is arranged for maximum dramatic effect, with much percussive use of the bows and attacking energy but also with superb restraint and fluency and a genuinely emotional engagement in Mackenzie and Hamilton’s melting glissandi... both deeply impressive and brilliantly effective” Rob Adams, The Herald
Kosmos have travelled extensively, performing with musicians all over the world, as well as within the broad multiculturalism of London’s music scene, studying music from North Africa and the Middle East, Jewish, Balkan and gypsy music, Argentine tango, flamenco, Celtic and jazz traditions, and contemporary classical music. They combine all their knowledge with a respect for their own Western classical music training, performing freely with panache, innovation and creativity, while incorporating improvisation into their own unique arrangements and compositions.