A LAVISH tribute to Mantovani, known as the King of Strings, will include support from exotic gypsy folk ensemble, The Budapest Café Orchestra.

This small but impeccably formed orchestra, will bring their unique blend of folk and gypsy-flavoured music and entertainment to the Strictly Mantovani evening at Bournemouth Pavilion next month.

Organiser Paul Barrett has recruited many of Europe’s top musicians to perform his ninth gala concert, Strictly Mantovani, with a particular focus on the dance-floor dazzlers recorded by the Anglo Italian bandleader in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Paul said he was delighted that The Budapest Café Orchestra had chosen to make their Bournemouth premiere at his event.

"I am delighted to have such an exciting addition to the concert programme. Their contribution will be the highlight of my show. This orchestra needs to be seen to be believed," he said.

The Budapest Café Orchestra now in their 10th anniversary year, makes their Bournemouth premier and will perform at the start of the second half of the night.

Members are led by Christian Garrick on violin,

The BCO was established by British composer and violinist, Christian Garrick who leads Eddie Hession on accordion, Kelly Cantlon on double bass and Adrian Zolotuhin on guitar, saz, balalaika and domra.

Together they play a blistering barrage of traditional music from across the Balkans and Russia, Klezmer laments, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czardas and their own unique re-imaginings of some of the biggest pieces ever written.

* Strictly Mantovani will be held at Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday, April 28 at 7.30pm. To book, contact bhlivetickets.co.uk or call 0844 576 3000.