Mazaika

MAZAIKA IS...
Igor Outkine (Russia) accordion/midi accordion and vocals.
Sarah Harrison: violin, vocals, domra (Russian mandolin). 
Repertoire: Russian and Gypsy, Balkan, Argentine and Russian Tango, Classical and Opera, Hot Club Jazz and Latin, original music, our unique take on international pop and rock and intoxicating original music influenced by all of the above!

Sarah and Igor formed Mazaika to combine the skills of their classical educations with the freedom offered by their improvisational abilities. They have thrown all their rich and varied musical tastes and into a melting pot and a unique style and vast repertoire have emerged. They are best described as a unique, classy, virtuoso violin/vocal/accordion cabaret. Their shows are full of Russian Soul, Tango Passion, Classical Virtuosity and sparkling humour, guaranteed to transport you from the Russian Steppe to the Gypsy Campfire and from the Opera house to the Montmartre cafe.

They can perform completely acoustic in the most intimate of settings, are great for popping up incognito among the guests at a dinner party, or fill a large stage with their presence. Their shows are highly visual and full of movement. Haven't popped the question yet? Sarah and Igor have accompanied many marriage proposals, in a pod on the London Eye, on The Orient Express, on a Venetian Gondola. They offer this as a service - as a live roaming act or the soundtrack to wedding proposals. 

As well as their variety act, Mazaika is one of the leading exponents of Russian music in the UK. Their repertoire includes stunning arrangements of Russian and Gypsy favourites such as Kalinka, Dark Eyes, Czardas, Two Guitars, The Lark, Sabre dance and many more. For the discerning Russian client... an extensive repertoire of Popular Music from the Soviet Era from Vertinsky and Leschenko, to Magomaev to Antonov, DDT and Machina Vremeni. Plus songs and music from Soviet films as well as many romances, folk songs and Russian Gypsy songs. They are also familiar with French, Italian and other non-Russian songs particularly popular with Russian Clients. They can augment the group with additional Russian instrumentalists and/or Russian/Gypsy Dancers.

Mazaika has played for celebrities and notable private clients including Sean Connery, Sting, Roger Moore, Hal David, The Duke and Duchess of Westminster and the Duchess of Abercorn and her Pushkin Trust. They have worked with Antonio Forcione, Fascinating Aida, Nitin Sawhney and Akram Kahn. They have also played venues and festivals such as the Oxford Chamber Music Festival, Rheingau Music Festival, Russian Winter Festival in Trafalgar Square, Latitude, Glastonbury, Hope, Womad, Fire in the Mountain, Gossington International Gypsy Jazz Festival and many more. 

"Hugely entertaining... the duo frequently brought the house down'' **** The Scotsman [Edinburgh Festival]

"An evening of magic and passion" - The Independent.

“Wistful accordion… the worlds first headbanging accordionist”  - The Guardian

*****
"Sarah and Igor MADE our Christmas dinner. They were absolutely fantastic and way exceeded anything we could have dreamed for the evening. Truly unique performers with enormous talent. Without question would book them again, Laura & Russell Brand x" 

*****
"Mazaika were fantastic and by the end of the night they felt like family. They read the room and entertained all guests Russian or not. The music was fantastic, energy was high, and can't wait to book them for our next event. Many many many thanks to Mazaika. Our wedding would not have been the same without them!"

*****
"I had the pleasure of having Mazaika band play at my and my sisters wedding. The magical ambience both Sarah and Igor is phenomenal. Not one of the performances are the same and our guests could not get enough of the musical entertainment. We also had guests from different cultural backgrounds and I am every single time so impressed on how diverse Mazaika's music interpretation stretches. From tango, klesme, classical to Russian and modern. There is something beautiful for everyone. Many of my friends then went on to have Mazaika at their private birthday or dinner parties . I can highly recommend the so professional and harmonic duet."

*****
"Mazaika are a duo I always love having to perform. They are incredibly talented and have such a fascinating way with composition and interpretation of music. Truly a joy to see perform Bobby Mizen"

*****
"We absolutely love working with Mazaika over the past few years. The duo really lifts up the spirit within the restaurant - encouraging all our guests to dance and sing along. The ambience created is fantastic. Both Igor and Sarah perform on a beyond professional level, leaving our guests in absolute awe."

*****
"We recently booked Sarah Harrison to play the traditional Greek Stolisma for my Sisters wedding. Despite not being Greek and having learned it specially for the occasion she sounded really authentic and our relatives who had flown in specially were very happy with it. Although we are Greek this was our first time planning a traditional style wedding but Sarah showed confidence and professionalism throughout and entered into the spirit of the occasion!"

*****
"To whom it may concern. I have known Sarah Harrison and Igor Outkine both personally and professionally for a number of years and have never ceased to be amazed by their versatility, professionalism and sheer musicianship. I have booked MAZAIKA for several of my Festivals Of Hot Jazz, Big Band Swing, Cabaret & Dance and the range of their talent never fails to enthrall audiences. From Swing to Gypsy Jazz, Russian Folk Music, Edith Piaf and Mario Lanza, Sarah and Igor are just about the best in the business. I have no hesitation in recommending MAZAIKA for Theatres, Arts Centres, Festivals as well as that very special event. Tony Jacobs."

*****
"Dear Igor & Viennese Fever Orchestra. what an amazing evening. The walzes and polkas were fantastic the danzfloor was full till 2 pm. thank you so much for entertaining us."

*****
"MAZAIKA are an extremely entertaining duo with full-on authentic Russian accordion from Igor and marvellous playing from Sarah on violin and domra. They have an interesting and eclectic set and have been very popular with Broadstairs audiences. We hope to see them back at Folk Week in the future-highly recommended.' Jo Tuffs Festival Director Broadstairs Folk Week."

*****
"I came across Mazaika when attending a Russian Ball and immediately knew that the couple were the perfect musical match for my annual party that I organise for my company. The performance of Igor and Sarah was the showstopper of the evening. I cannot recommend this band enough - the two received a well-deserved standing ovation from my 120 guests."

*****
"Mazaika, Sarah Harrison and Igor Outkine. My husband and I discovered Mazaika during a live performance in the Ivy House. It was an improvised performance of a soundtrack during the screening of the silent film Phantom of the Opera. We were both blown away by the creativity, freedom and expertise with which this was done. Afterwards they played a random repertoire of all sorts of music. From Russian to Italian to fresh hits to old gems you haven't heard in ages, constantly surprising with great songs that can't keep you sitting on your chair. It was seriously spectacular. And it was then that it sparked the idea to ask them if they would like to play at our wedding. We explored this option and had a meeting between the four of us and got to know that they can literally play ANYTHING. And if they don't know it or haven't played it (which is very unlikely) they are prepared to learn it. This is exactly what happened and what they did for us. They learned The lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams. Picture this. A beautiful green piece of land with, at the bottom of a grand country house, a flowing stream in Devon. The weather is soft and the sun is shining. "Husband to be" walking down the hill (accompanied by two gorgeous bridesmaids) towards the waterside where all the guests are welcoming him. Then the bride is rowing up the isle towards her groom. (in a cute little boat with her father) and whilst this very beautiful romantic meeting is happening The Lark Ascending is being performed live at the waterside by Mazaika. It was absolutely MAGICLE! And that was only the start of the day. They played during the ceremony and got everyone off their feet at the evening party. I have never met such virtuous musicians .They breath music (if that makes sense) I would highly recommend Mazaika as they are able to and open to playing anything and everything you like. So you can customize your special event to make it as YOUnique as you want it to BE! As the wedding was such a great success I asked them to play at my 50th Birthday party. Again they warmed everyone's heart and it was super enjoyable. Sarah and Igor are very kind, creative people who both love to make music and are willing to add their magic to any sort of party you want to create. All it takes is a little conversation with them so you can see for yourself how they can make you feel."