“Remember why you were attracted to music in the first place? Probably it was because it was fun and vibrant and moving, and somehow managed to express all the things about life and love that you could never quite put into words. The eclectic repertoire [of Monsieur Camembert] races across styles and geographical boundaries with never a care. But always you find your toes suddenly tapping, or the corners of your mouth being tugged upwards, or the strings of your heart being pulled - often all at once! Like light changing on water, the band is expert at flitting between moods. They pick you up and carry you on a wave of energy, excitement and poignancy that never relents…” (John Shand, Music Writer, Sydney Morning Herald)

With a hip, contemporary edge, ARIA Award winning group Monsieur Camembert fuses the wild rhythms of Eastern Europe with hot-club Gypsy Swing, Latin and Jazz.

Monsieur Camembert:

• Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar: Yaron Hallis
• Tenor/Soprano Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Vocals: Edouard Bronson
• Accordion, Vocals: Svetlana Bunic
• Lead Guitar, Vocals: Yuri Terletski
• Double Bass, Vocals: Mark Szeto

Highlights:

• Jan 2003: Actress,Toni Collette’s Wedding
• April-July 2003: QLD, WA, VIC Tours
• 2002/03: Lord Mayor’s NYE Party, Sydney Opera House
• Oct 2002: ARIA Award winner – World Music Category
• July 2002: Centenary Celebration: Ohel Leah (Hong Kong)
• 2001: Tour Regional NSW (NSW Council for the Arts)
• Dec 2000: SBS documentary “Fusions: Monsieur Camembert”
• Dec 2000: ABC Radio National’s: “Live On Stage”
• Oct 2000: Paralympics Opening Ceremony
• Sept 2000: Sydney Official Olympic Sites (3 shows)

Festival appearances:

• 2004: WOMADelaide, SA: Adelaide Festival of Arts'
• 2003: St. Kilda Festival, Victoria: World Beat Festival, Brisbane, Qld
• 2002: Bellingen Global Carnival, NSW; Perth Fringe Festival, WA
• 2002: Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, Maldon Festival, Vic
• 2000: Woodford Folk Festival & Adelaide Fringe Festival
• 1999: Woodford Folk Festival & Hobart Fringe Festival

CD Releases:

• 2003: Absynthe
• 2001: Live on Stage (Winner of Aria 2002 – World Music Category)
• 2000: Live at the Basement

“……a gloriously good humoured and eclectic collection of genres all colliding together into a surprisingly coherent whole. It’s all carnival sounds and folk parody but played with undeniable ebullient gusto and enthusiasm. The tongues might be firmly in cheek, but the minds and fingers are firmly in control of their instruments, and that’s where the passions really fly.” (Drum Media Magazine)

"...the excellence of the musicians is never in doubt as they quote a kaleidoscope of genres not only with flair and humour, but also with telling feeling. If I had to summarise the immense appeal of this group, it is their subtle quirkiness and sense of surprise they engender...you could groove to them all night... genuinely soulful." (Diaspora Magazine)

"...darting through clever arrangements that mix elements of East European folk and gypsy tunes, klezmer, tango and swing, [they] worked their way from a slow, foot stomp, to furiously strummed guitars, accordion swirls and an insistent heady 'hey hey hey', temporarily turning the concrete outdoor amphitheatre into a rowdy vodka bar in Vladivostok..." (The Age)

“These guys really know how to swing... [its] the perfect party music - there is something very irresistible and fun and sexy about it...sorely needed in this pre-packaged age." (Cleo Glyde, Basement-online)

“…Don’t make my mistake and get so carried away by this music that you hurl your empty shot-glass into the fireplace – only to realise you don’t have a fireplace.” (Sydney Morning Herald)