Elye Cuthbertson is bringing a new sound to the folk scene with his unique approach to the melodeon. Elye has been immersing himself in English folk music for 10 years under the guidance of some of the finest teachers of the tradition. Combining this English folk experience with his passion for Balfolk and other traditions from throughout Europe, his compositions reflect his varied influences. Elye’s skill and inventiveness has been demonstrated through performances around the country, including his own concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Elye’s 2024 EP, Two Rainy Days, showcases his unusual style of melodeon playing and innovative tune writing. Audiences are generally surprised, impressed, and entertained by Elye’s performances demonstrating his virtuosic melodeon playing and tasteful style. In recent years, Elye has performed at folk venues in London such as the Green Note, the Harrison, and the Jamboree, and has also performed in other parts of country such as Lewes Saturday Folk Club, St Neots Folk Club, the Cumberland Arms (Newcastle), and Sheffield Eurosessions.
Upcoming gigs
27th October 2025, at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Folk for Kids
https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/folk-for-kids
6th November 2025, at the Harrison, London
Support for Hearken Quartet
https://folkandroots.co.uk/hearken-quartet/
In September 2023, I had the exciting opportunity to perform my album Covid 19 Compositions live for the first time at the Royal Albert Hall. This was a special one-off showcase featuring some of the musicians from the album. Photo credit: Andy Paradise.
Photo credit: Andy Paradise.
Photo credit: Luna Goiris.
The National Youth Folk Ensemble performing at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival in 2022.
Elye Cuthbertson 