Penguin Cafe Orchestra was a brilliant British ensemble that put “chamber-pop” on the map in the ’70s and ’80s.   That title does a disservice, however, to their inventive, moving compositions.  For us they placated both our classical and pop urges in one fell swoop.  And we found that their songs provided a great score for commedia dell’arte plays.  Unfortunately, their leader Simon Jeffes passed away in 1997.  Thereafter the PCO put together occasional tours until Jeffes’ son, Arthur, restarted the ensemble in 2010 with a new group of musicians to stake out the next chapter of the PCO.

Recently, renowned concert violinist, Lara St. John joined Great Lake Swimmers on CBC’s Studio Q to perform a medley of Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B minor BWV 1002 and Penguin Cafe Orchestra’s Music for a Found Harmonium.   Now that’s entertainment!

You can see the original Penguin Cafe Orchestra perform their own version of Music for a Found Harmonium after, followed by PCO’s great Perpetuum Mobile, Air a Danser, Paul’s Dance, and Salty Bean Fumble. Sorely missed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO8-qTEz0zk&feature=uploademail