Old Dog New Tricks

Quentin Budworth: The Itinerant Hurdy-Gurdy Man – Stories and Tunes from a European Musical Quest

Join acclaimed hurdy-gurdy player and composer Quentin Budworth for a captivating evening of music and storytelling. Funded by an Arts Council “Develop Your Creative Practice” grant, Quentin spent a year travelling across Europe, immersing himself in diverse hurdy-gurdy traditions. From the courts of medieval France to the folk festivals of Crete, he’s gathered a wealth of knowledge and a repertoire of stunning tunes.

In this unique solo performance, Quentin shares his experiences, demonstrates various playing techniques, and performs music from across the continent, as well as his own original compositions. He offers a rare insight into the history and evolution of the hurdy-gurdy, transforming it from a historical curiosity into a vibrant, contemporary instrument.

Ideal for: Educational workshops, folk clubs, historical societies, museums, arts centres, and anyone interested in learning about the rich history and diverse traditions of the hurdy-gurdy.

Praise for Quentin’s “Old Dog, New Tricks” Tour:

• “A wonderful evening spent in the company of the lovely Quentin Budworth and his Hurdy Gurdies… each [tune] accompanied with its own anecdote of his many travels.” – Gordon Meredith
• “A confident raconteur, and a man who knows his Hurdy Gurdy…Our room was filled with sounds like we’ve never heard before.” – Mark Kelly, Organiser, Upstairs at Monks
• “It was a surprise and delight to see him in this more intimate setting, transformed from rock god into an entertaining and informative raconteur.” – Rebecca Folds, Gallery Programmer, Bridlington Contemporary

Bring the magic of the hurdy-gurdy to your event. Contact Quentin Budworth: 07877434739