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There seemed to be a change of schedule and for some reason Kolpakov opened the evening. Russian Gypsy seven-string guitarist, singer and leader of the group, Sasha Kolpakov, (Hutz’s musical hero) along with his nephew Vadim Kolpakov, also a seven-string guitarist, and singer Lidmilla Kolpakov, brought to the Barbican Hall gypsy guitar music to bathe in. Beautiful mastery of this near extinct guitar, and Lidmilla’s deep alto vocals made me completely forget that actually, there was no Eugene, just an empty chair which seemed invisible anyway behind the song and traditional dancing of the trio.

Basking in smoky pink and blue light, the trio moved from quiet contemplative guitar solo to boot-stomping, leg-slapping exuberance. In the end, Hutz did join in for few songs, but it seemed to be his intention to draw an audience with his name but to let the Trio mesmerise the audience with their artistry, which is exactly what happened.

Mahala Rai Banda, the would-be support act turned headliners, blew the audience away, quite literally. Led by violinist Aurel Ionitsa, Mahala is composed of army-trained brass musicians from Moldavia and a younger crew of talented instrumentalists from the outskirts of Bucharest. Mahala were joined by Belgian Tzigane DJ master, Gaetano Fabri, who punctuated the lively gypsy wedding music with elements of the now huge Electric Gypsyland style movement. When not stunned by Nicusor Manole’s raspy vocals or the virtuosity of Cezar Cazanoi (flute/saxophone) and Daniel Constantin (accordian) (to name but three), many in the audience, Mr Hutz included, could not keep to their seats and the aisles became the dancefloor.

If you missed this show or any of the other nights of the Barbican’s 1000 Year Journey, well, I am very sorry for you indeed. Keep your eye out for these artists playing in a town near you as they should not be missed.