The best songs transcend the borders of time and space, finding their way into the ears, minds, and voices of people across cultures. Numerous related melodies and texts can be found throughout the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, connecting Greek, Turkish, Ladino, and Yiddish traditions.

World-renowned klezmer musician Ilya Shneyveys and Cantor Sarah Myerson bring together years of research into these connections, enriched by their experience co-directing the YAM Ensemble for emerging musicians in Türkiye, Greece, and Germany. Together, they perform multilingual, multi-instrumental suites that create a dynamic shared repertoire from these traditions, moving effortlessly between intricate arrangements and playful improvisation.

They are delighted to present liturgical repertoire associated with Cantor Gerschon Schaposchnik, who served Istanbul’s Ashkenazi community for more than forty years and whose materials are currently on display at Schneidertempel. The program will also feature selections from their electroacoustic Yiddish-Ukrainian project, Electric Rose: The Rose Cohen Experience, alongside other favorites.

For this special performance, they are joined by outstanding local musicians Izzet Bana, Fotini Kokkala, and Derya Türkan.

Line-up:
Ilya Shneyveys (accordion, ney, bağlamadaki)
Sarah Myerson (voice, ukulele, percussion)
Fotini Kokkala (kanun, voice)
Derya Türkan (kemençe)
Izzet Bana (voice)