Ilya Shneyveys (LV/D; multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer)

is an artist and educator in Jewish music, from klezmer and Yiddish folk song to fusion and experimental projects.

He is the artistic director and a founding member of the Yiddish psychedelic rock band Forshpil (Latvia-Russia-Germany) and a founding member of the Yiddish-Bavarian fusion project Alpen Klezmer (D), winner of 2014 RUTH World music award at TFF Rudolstadt. He frequently performs with Dobranotch (RU) and has collaborated with artists such as Opa! (RU), The Klezmatics (US), Daniel Kahn and the Painted Bird (D) and others.

Over the years he has performed and taught at major Jewish festivals around the world, including Yiddish Summer Weimar, Yiddish Fest Moscow, Klezfest St.Petersburg, Klezfest London, KlezKanada, Montreal Jewish Festival, Toronto Ashkenaz Festival, and Krakow Jewish Festival.

Ilya composes klezmer pieces in both traditional and experimental styles and creates original arrangements of traditional Jewish music. He iss renowned as an improviser, accompanist and band leader.

www.shneyveys.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL3nK_82QIY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yOrI_Jo_bY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfnBqm7p2ss

Photo: Marlene Karpischek