In 1995 Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals) decided to share a musical passion (borne out of the desire to earn sufficient money to support their extravagant lifestyles) and joined forces to create the slapstick,  musical comedy known as Belshazzar’s Feast.   Their joint musicianship and wry humour,  would continue to entertain audiences around Europe and the States for the next twenty years plus.

Having conquered these continents however, and probably needing to top up their pension pot,  this year they took it upon themselves to venture ‘down under’ to deliver their unique style of musical comedy at the National Folk Festival in Canberra Australia http://folkfestival.org.au/ … Once they had sufficiently topped up their tans and observed the obligatory koala, it was time to leave the sun, take their chances back at airport security and returned home to embark on a nine date tour throughout May.

As a singer, oboist, violinist, composer and arranger Paul Sartin has performed with the mighty Bellowhead as well as Faustus and Belshazzar’s Feast. He edits publications of music manuscripts, delivers workshops, and is Consultant and Director of the Andover Museum Loft Singers. Having gained an Honours Degree and Choral Scholarship at Oxford, he gained a First for his Masters in Traditional Music, and in 2007 received a 75th Anniversary Award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society. His recent composition, ‘The Hartlepool Monkey’, for Streetwise Opera, was nominated for a BASCA award.

Paul Hutchinson ‘Hutch’,  is well known from his work with Hoover the Dog, Karen Tweed and the Playford Liberation Front. He is a superlative accordion player with a unique style inspired by church organ music, violins & concertinas! Paul is an experienced workshop leader tutoring at Cecil Sharp House on a regular basis, Hands On weekends, Folkworks Summer Schools and Halsway Manor. His favourite colour is apparently ‘no longer pink’ ?!

‘One of folks great odd couples – The Feast’ Independent on Sunday

‘Duo known for their sense of humour as well their impressive musicianship’ – The Guardian

Here’s a taste of them entertaining the crowd with a game of ‘ Musical’ consequences … enjoy ?!