Petra Várallyay’s solo project, Circles in Motion, draws inspiration from both the cycles of nature and Eastern martial arts. Centred on the themes of being in motion and cyclicality, live looping plays a key role in the programme, boldly experimenting with the possibilities of polyphonic choral textures and orchestral sounds. Modal improvisation, Balkan asymmetry and South Indian Carnatic music all contribute to the distinctive soundscape, which comes to life on stage in close harmony with Petra’s playing.

Petra Várallyay studied jazz piano, jazz singing, classical violin and jazz composition at the Liszt Academy in Budapest and the jazz department of the Maastricht Conservatorium in the Netherlands. As a composer and performer, she has worked with Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma, and performed at numerous festivals in Hungary and abroad, covering a wide spectrum of genres. Formed in 2014, her progressive fusion jazz trio has won numerous international awards, including the Audience Award at the Independent Music Awards (USA) for their album Deadline Haze. 

Photo: Kristóf Lányi