ONE of the most exciting Balkan gypsy ensembles in the world performs in the intimate setting of Burnett's Hill, near Martletwy, next week (August 7).

Faith and Branko Ristic's quartet has become a major force on the world music stage and features not only remarkable talents but a remarkable love story.

Faith is from Oxfordshire and is a singer and virtuoso accordion player who performed with Gifford's Circus before meeting Serbian gypsy fiddle wizard Branko.

The story of how they fell in love without speaking a word of each other's language was told in a Guardian magazine article recently.

As well as getting married, they formed a musical partnership to perform the music of Branko's Balkan homeland.

They then expanded to a quartet with the addition of a guitarist and double bass player, adding some of their own material inspired by the Roma musical tradition.

They have performed at Glastonbury and the Royal Festival Hall and toured Australia on a couple of occasions, and their debut album, Gypsy Lover, shot to the top of the world music charts

They have also recently been working with acclaimed Serbian film-maker Emir Kustirica (Black Cat, White Cat; Time of the Gypsies).

The concert takes place next Wednesday, August 7. Tickets are just £12 each from Main Street Music or from 01646 651725.