The Blackheart Orchestra at The Maltings, Ely

THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA

The Blackheart Orchestra are British multi-award winning, multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Plkington. Recent winners of the UK Rising Stars of Prog Award, chosen by British musical legend Mike Batt as his favourite new album on Times Radio's Old and New show and as one of At The Barrier's Best 20 Concerts of 2025 they comprise a two person 'orchestra' playing up to 13 instruments in their unique live show.

From their onstage 'musical space station' they create highly emotional contemporary rock music featuring a multitude of sounds and atmospheres from acoustic and electric guitars, bass and bowed guitar to piano, organ, vintage synthesisers, omnichord, melodica, glockenspiel and electric percussion.

With influences from as far afield as Pink Floyd and Kate Bush to modern composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass, they combine their folk and rock roots with electronica and classical with Genesis founder Steve Hackett calling their music "Powerful and inspiring".

Recent single 'Bloodlines' reached #19 in the UK with BBC 6 music calling it "Intensely beautiful". Christmas single 'Winter Majesty' won play on BBC Radio 2 and their last two albums both achieved Top 20 positions with 'Hotel Utopia' charting at #13 in the UK and winning Best British Album, Best Song and Best Female Vocalist in the USA Progressive Rock Awards. The Blackheart Orchestra currently sits on six Best Albums of The Year lists in the UK.

 "Epic" Uncut

"Ethereal" Sunday Express

"Intensely beautiful" Chris Hawkins BBC Radio 6 Music

 "Simply one of the most beautiful and powerful artists I have ever seen live" Lee Graham: The Rock Show

 "An amazing noise" Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 6 Music

 "A life-enhancing listening experience" Louder Than War

 "Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed" Metal Planet.