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Penguin Cafe Orchestra

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Penguin Cafe Orchestra, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Company typeMusic ensemble
IndustryMusic
Founded1970s
FounderSimon Jeffes, Helen Liebmann
Defunct1997
FateDisbanded after founder's death; successor groups formed
Key people
Simon Jeffes (leader), Helen Liebmann (co-founder)
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

The Penguin Cafe Orchestra (PCO) was an avant-pop ensemble spearheaded by English guitarist Simon Jeffes. Alongside cellist Helen Liebmann, who co-founded the group, they embarked on extensive tours throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their distinctive style merges lively folk music elements with a minimalist approach, drawing occasional parallels to composers like Philip Glass.

The ensemble remained active in recording and live performances for 24 years until Jeffes passed away from an inoperable brain tumour in 1997. In 2007, several founding members reunited for a trio of concerts. Since then, five musicians have continued to interpret PCO’s repertoire, initially under the name Anteaters and later as the Orchestra That Fell to Earth. In 2009, Jeffes’ son, Arthur, established a successor group named Penguin Cafe, which performs both PCO compositions and original works by Arthur.

History

Seeking liberation from the strict conventions of classical music and the confines of rock, Simon Jeffes gravitated toward the expressive freedom found in folk music, aspiring to capture its immediacy and vitality in his creations.

Jeffes recounted the inception of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra:

Their inaugural album, Music from the Penguin Cafe, was recorded between 1974 and 1976 and released under Brian Eno’s experimental Obscure Records label. This was succeeded by Penguin Cafe Orchestra in 1981. Subsequent albums appeared more frequently: Broadcasting From Home (1984), Signs of Life (1987), and Union Cafe (1993).

The group’s first significant live appearance occurred on 10 October 1976 when they supported Kraftwerk at The Roundhouse. Over two decades, from 1976 to 1996, they toured internationally, performing at festivals and residencies on London’s South Bank, as well as across the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Europe, and the UK. In March 1987, their work was showcased on ITV’s arts program The South Bank Show, featuring performances of key tracks such as "Air" and "Bean Fields".

Evolution

Simon Jeffes explored diverse live and studio arrangements, including a 'dance orchestra' concept and a quintet comprising strings, oboe, trombone, and piano. In studio sessions, he often played multiple instruments himself while recruiting additional musicians when necessary.

The lineup for live performances underwent several changes over time. Founding members Gavyn Wright and Steve Nye departed in 1984 and 1988 respectively; Bob Loveday succeeded Wright on violin. Eventually, a steady ensemble emerged consisting of:

  • Jeffes and Helen Liebmann (violoncello)
  • Gavyn Wright (violin, including pizzicato)
  • Neil Rennie (ukulele), who joined in 1975
  • Geoffrey Richardson (viola, cuatro, guitar, clarinet, mandolin, ukulele), joining in 1976; contributed as co-writer on three tracks from Broadcasting from Home (1984)
  • Julio Segovia (percussion), member since 1978
  • Paul Street (guitar, cuatro, ukulele), active between 1984–1988
  • Jennifer Maidman (percussion, bass guitar, ukulele, cuatro), who joined in 1984
  • Steve Fletcher (piano, keyboards), replacing Steve Nye in 1988
  • Annie Whitehead (trombone), joined in 1988 after featuring on Broadcasting from Home
  • Peter McGowan (violin), who took over from Bob Loveday
  • Barbara Bolte (oboe)

Doug Beveridge served as the principal live sound engineer. The lineup’s definitive recording is captured on the 1995 album Concert Program, which includes many of their most celebrated compositions.

Later formations

Following Simon Jeffes' passing in 1997, the ensemble halted new recordings and public performances for more than ten years. In 2007, the group that had performed on the Concert Program—excluding Julio Segovia—briefly reunited for three sold-out concerts at London's Union Chapel, Islington. Jennifer Maidman took over Jeffes's guitar duties, while Simon's son Arthur contributed on percussion and keyboards.

Subsequently, Arthur Jeffes established a new collective called "Music from the Penguin Cafe," which was later abbreviated to Penguin Cafe. Beginning in 2009, this formation appeared at numerous festivals, presenting a mix of original Penguin Cafe Orchestra compositions alongside fresh creations. Notably, they performed at the 2010 BBC Proms featuring Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell.

To preserve the original Penguin Cafe Orchestra repertoire without infringing on the Penguin Cafe name now associated with Arthur Jeffes, former members Geoffrey Richardson, Jennifer Maidman, Annie Whitehead, and Steve Fletcher created The Anteaters. They were joined by percussionist Liam Genockey, recognized for his work with the Ian Gillan Band and Steeleye Span. Performing under the name The Orchestra That Fell To Earth, they appeared at events such as the Canterbury Festival in 2011 and continue touring under this moniker. The name 'Anteaters' originated from a humorous remark during a 1983 Japan tour about changing trends influencing the band's identity.

Telephone and Rubber Band

The hallmark track of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, "Telephone and Rubber Band," incorporates a looped UK telephone ring tone tape alongside reorder tones and rubber band plucks. This piece featured in Nadia Tass's film Malcolm (1986), Oliver Stone's Talk Radio (1988), and was used extensively in a telecom advertisement campaign for One2One (currently EE). The 1996 single "In the Meantime" by Spacehog sampled a detuned variant of this composition. Jeffes originally recorded the tape loop during a phone call disrupted by a fault that caused simultaneous ringing and engaged signals.

Music for a Found Harmonium

Composed by Jeffes in 1982 on a harmonium discovered in Kyoto, "Music for a Found Harmonium" rose to fame through its inclusion in Malcolm and John Hughes's 1988 film She's Having a Baby (appearing in both the trailer and closing credits but absent from the official soundtrack). The piece was also featured on the 1994 Café del Mar compilation album, increasing its recognition.

Its flexible rhythm inspired numerous Irish traditional renditions by musicians like Patrick Street, De Dannan, Kevin Burke, and Sharon Shannon. This composition has appeared in films such as Hear My Song, Napoleon Dynamite (2004), and It's All Gone Pete Tong (2005). The Scottish folk rock band Rock Salt and Nails recorded their version on their 1993 debut album Waves. Additionally, it was included in the soundtrack of the 2016 movie The Founder.

Still Life at the Penguin Cafe

Simon Jeffes crafted the score for the ballet Still Life at the Penguin Cafe, primarily drawing upon earlier works by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Geoffrey Richardson contributed as co-composer for one piece. The ballet premiered with the Royal Ballet in 1988, and its music was subsequently released as an album credited to Jeffes.

Perpetuum Mobile

One of the ensemble's most recognized compositions, "Perpetuum Mobile," originates from their 1987 release Signs of Life. This piece has been widely utilized across various media platforms, including cinema, television, and radio. Notably, it served as the principal theme for the Australian animated feature Mary and Max (2009) and was also featured in the television adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale. The prominent melody was sampled by Swedish DJ Avicii in his track "Fade into Darkness." Composed in an unusual 15/8 meter, the piece evokes a continuous sense of motion.

Numbers 1-4

The track "Numbers 1-4" was showcased in a dance film segment within episode 1604 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, highlighting performances by dancers from Pittsburgh’s Dance Alloy company. This composition, alongside "Perpetuum Mobile" and "Music for A Found Harmonium," was included in the soundtrack for Channel 4’s documentary series Road Dreams.

Covers

  • The tune "Music for a Found Harmonium" has been interpreted as a reel by Patrick Street on their 1990 album Irish Times, with subsequent renditions by Matto Congrio from Galicia (1993), California Guitar Trio on their 2008 album Echoes, and Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon. Additionally, Celtic Fiddle Festival recorded the piece in 1993, featuring renowned folk fiddlers Johnny Cunningham, Kevin Burke, and Christian Lemaitre.
  • The Orb produced a remix inspired by "Music for a Found Harmonium," which appeared alongside original and Patrick Street versions on Penguin Cafe Orchestra’s 1996 compilation Preludes, Airs and Yodels, later included on The Orb’s remix collection Auntie Aubrey's Excursions Beyond the Call of Duty - The Orb Remix Project, Volume 2.
  • Avicii incorporated a sample from "Perpetuum Mobile" into his song "Fade into Darkness," which also featured in the collaboration between Leona Lewis and Avicii titled "Collide."
  • Roving Crows integrated "Music for a Found Harmonium" within their track "Guns," from the album Deliberate Distractions released in 2013.
  • Earl 16 utilized the central theme in his 1997 piece "Steppin' Out."
  • A string quartet adaptation of the work appeared in the Japanese television drama Quartet (2017).

Film

  • Music by Penguin Cafe Orchestra was prominently featured in the 1986 Australian cult classic film Malcolm, which received the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Film that year. Important tracks used include "Music for a Found Harmonium" as the opening theme, as well as "Paul's Dance," "Yodel 1," "Yodel 2," "Telephone and Rubber Band," and "The Ecstasy of Dancing Fleas," which closed the film.
  • The initial trailer for John Hughes’s movie She's Having a Baby employed an edited sequence of scenes accompanied by Penguin Cafe Orchestra music.
  • The track "Telephone and Rubber Band" was featured during the final scene and end credits of Oliver Stone’s 1988 film Talk Radio.
  • "Perpetuum Mobile" has been used as the main musical theme across multiple films and documentaries such as The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007), Mary and Max (2009), Slim Susie (2003), and Project Nim (2011), along with an episode from Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale.
  • The composition "Music For a Found Harmonium" appeared in both Napoleon Dynamite (2004) and the 2016 biographical film The Founder.

Radio and Podcasts

  • The track "Perpetuum Mobile" is often featured in This American Life episodes, while National Public Radio has utilized the ringtone from "Telephone and Rubber Band" as transition music.
  • The Economist integrates "Perpetuum Mobile" into its weekly podcast series.
  • The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National presents The Music Show, which uses "Perpetuum Mobile" as its opening theme.
  • "Scherzo and Trio" serves as the signature tune for the Round Britain Quiz broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
  • The theme for CBC Radio's Basic Black was "Pythagoras's Trousers."

Television

  • "Pythagoras's Trousers" was selected as the theme music for the gameshow Juego de niños, aired on TVE's channel La 1.

Personnel

  • Simon Jeffes – acoustic and electric guitar, piano, cuatro, ukulele, bass guitar, vocals, Omnichord, Dulcitone, penny whistle, harmonium, shakers, drums, ring modulator, rubber band, electronic organ, milk bottles, triangle, violin, Linn Drum computer, soloban, spinet, Prophet V synthesizer, fretless guitar, Blüthner and Bösendorfer pianos, zebra drum, tape effects, pianica, mandolin, electric aeolian harp
  • Helen Liebmann – cello
  • Steve Nye – electric piano, cuatro, Blüthner piano, Wurlitzer piano, harmonium
  • Gavyn Wright – violin
  • Geoffrey Richardson – viola, slide guitar, bass guitar, bongos, metal frame percussion, ukulele, mandolin, electric guitar, penny whistle, clarinet
  • Jennifer Maidman – percussion instruments, bass guitar, ukulele, cuatro, electric guitar, zebra drum
  • Emily Young – vocals
  • Michael Giles – drums
  • Dave DeFries – trumpet and flugelhorn
  • Annie Whitehead – trombone
  • Nigel Kennedy – violin
  • Naná Vasconcelos – clay pot and twigs
  • Kathryn Tickell – Northumbrian small pipes
  • Chris Laurence – bass guitar
  • Wilfred Gibson – violin
  • Roger Chase – viola
  • Braco – drums
  • Marcus Beale – violin
  • Kuma Harada – bass guitar
  • Barbara Bolte – oboe
  • Stephen Fletcher – piano
  • Peter McGowan – violin
  • Giles Leaman – woodwind instruments
  • Bob Loveday – violin
  • Neil Rennie – ukulele
  • Julio Segovia – percussion
  • Jill Streater – oboe
  • Peter Veitch – accordion
  • Fami – drums
  • Trevor Morais – drums
  • Danny Cummings – percussion instruments
  • Paul Street – guitar
  • Elisabeth Perry

Studio Albums

Extended Play

Live Albums

Collections

  • Preludes, Airs & Yodels (A Penguin Cafe Introduction) (1996)
  • A Brief History (2001) CDV 2954
  • History (2001) Virgin Records LCO 3098
  • The Second Penguin Cafe Orchestra Sampler (2004)

Simon Jeffes albums

Associated album

  • Arcane (1994), attributed to 'Assorted Artists'

This recording, made in August 1992 at Real World studios, showcases a spontaneous collaboration among various musicians. Simon Jeffes contributes to multiple tracks, including fresh renditions of PCO compositions "Yodel 3" and "Cage Dead." Featured artists comprise Billy Cobham, Andy Sheppard, Jane Siberry, Ayub Ogada, Nigel Kennedy, and Nana Vasconcelos.

Soundtracks

  • Night Shift (1982) ("Cutting Branches for a Temporary Shelter")
  • Malcolm (1986) ("Music For A Found Harmonium," "Paul's Dance," "Yodel 1," "Yodel 2," "Telephone And Rubber Band," "The Ecstasy Of Dancing Fleas")
  • Talk Radio trailer (1988) ("Telephone and Rubber Band")
  • Oskar und Leni (1999) – soundtrack includes selections from Union Cafe and Concert Program
  • Chuck and Buck (2000) ("Air a Danser," "Paul's Dance," "Prelude and Yodel," "Nothing Really Blue")
  • Slim Susie (2003) ("Perpetuum Mobile")
  • The Good Girl (2002) ("Air" and "Steady State")
  • The Princess and the Warrior soundtrack (2000) ("Nothing Really Blue")
  • Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack (2005) ("Music for a Found Harmonium")
  • It's All Gone Pete Tong soundtrack (2005) ("Music for a Found Harmonium")
  • Hewlett-Packard advertisement (2006) ("Perpetuum Mobile")
  • 3 lbs, episode "Lost for Words" (2006) ("Perpetuum Mobile")
  • Year of the Dog (2007) ("Music for a Found Harmonium")
  • All the Little Animals, composed by Simon Jeffes, performed by PCO members Geoffrey Richardson, Jennifer Maidman, Steve Fletcher
  • Capitalism: A Love Story (2009) ("Music for a Found Harmonium")
  • Mary and Max (2009) ("Perpetuum Mobile", "Prelude and Yodel")
  • Origin Energy "Sustainability Drive" commercial ("Perpetuum Mobile")
  • The Handmaid's Tale (2017) ("Perpetuum Mobile")
  • It's a Sin (2020) ("Telephone and Rubber Band")

External links

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