THE critically-acclaimed Belshazzar’s Feast will be playing at Rhosygilwen, at Cilgerran, on Friday, May 24 (8pm-9.45pm).

Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals), “one of folk’s odd couples”, have for nearly 25 years wowed audiences around Europe, The States and Australia, with virtuoso musicianship tempered by wry humour.

With extravagant lifestyles to support, as well as a love of music, their candle looks set to burn for a good few decades more.

Belshazzar’s Feast start with traditional English folk music, throw in a bit of pop and classical, sprinkle over a few TV and movie themes, and top it off lashings of laughs for a unique live experience.

Belshazzar’s Feast received a coveted nomination for Best Duo at the BBC Folk Awards.

Belshazzar’s Feast has appeared live with Claire Balding (BBC Radio 2), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), on In Tune (Radio 3), and on St George’s Day 2018 they were guest musicians on BBC Radio 2’s The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

Singer, oboist, cor anglais player, swanee whistle afficionado, violinist and pianist, Paul Sartin is a BASCA-nominated composer, arranger, performer and teacher.

A founding member of the BBC award-nominated ensembles Belshazzar’s Feast and Faustus (German Critics Award 2017) and the late Bellowhead, he is also Director of the Andover Museum Loft Singers.

His latest publication is ‘Community Choirs Folk’ for Faber Music and Paul also arranged and directed the music for the 2017-18 revival of ‘The Transports’.

He was awarded a First for his Masters in Traditional Music, and in 2007 received a 75thAnniversary Award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

Paul Hutchinson is the founder member of the innovative and progressive folk band, The Playford Liberation Front. His highly successful folk trio Hoover the Dog has recently morphed into the critically-acclaimed Pagoda Project.

Paul’s own compositions were published in 2012 (Food For Thought) and a second volume is in the pipeline. He is the resident accordion tutor at Cecil Sharp House, is a seasoned tutor at Folkworks and Halsway Manor, and leads ensemble workshops far and wide.

“Few can match this duo in concert for entertainment and great music,” says The Independent, while The Guardian writes: “Duo known for their sense of humour as well their impressive musicianship.”

Tickets are £12 and are available on 01239 841387 or from the Rhosygilwen website.