The Hungarian Gypsy Band visits London in 1873 and entertains Royalty

The following notice appeared in the Times on Monday, June 23rd, 1873

"The Hungarian Gypsy Band of Instrumentalists (Leader: Berkes Lajos) who had the honour of playing on several occasions at Pesth before H.R.H.the Prince of Wales and H.R.H. before their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, His Serene Highness the Duke of Teck, His Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, Earl and Countess Spencer, the Marquis of Hamilton and a distinguished party of guests. Also ar Marlborough House on the occasion of the banquet to the Shah of Persia, and at Stafford House on the occasion of the ball to His Majesty. Engagments can be made for public and private performances during their short visit to this country at Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond Street"

In the nineteenth century Hungarian bands were very popular with royalty and the aristocracy.

The tradition went back to the days of when Eupropean aristocrats were often the patrons of gypsy bands. In Russia the landed gentry often had their own bands, orchestras and even theatre companies made up entirely of serfs from the estates.

Oliver Davies from the Royal College of Music very kindly gave me details of one such band which visited London to perform at Stafford House.

The Times on June 20th, 1873:-

".......there was also a Hungarian band which had played before the Prince of Wales at Pesth. These musicians play entirely from ear, for they cannot read music........

Two things in the extract are notewothy:-
(1)the Duke of Cambridge was present
(2)the leader of the band was called Berkes Lajos
For more information please contact me.
Research and copyright by Moira Bonnington.
First published on 2nd January 2001 and last updated on 10th February 2003.