People

Ilana Cravitz — Ilana Cravitz is a klezmer fiddler, specialising in the celebratory repertoire that was played for hundreds of years by Jewish musicians in eastern Europe. Based in London, Ilana regularly performs on stage and at weddings, bar mitzvahs and parties, as well as teaching classes, workshops and private students. She specialises in klezmer ceilidhs – Yiddish dance events with live traditional Jewish music. Her klezmer fiddle book is a key resource for each generation of Michael Kahan Kapelye  ensemblists.

Richard Fay — with Ros Hawley, Richard founded the Michael Kahan Kapelye at The University of Manchester as the Music department’s assessed klezmer assemble. As well as acting as the Musical Director (academic) for the university ensemble, he performs with the Hard Times Kapelye (a sextet playing mainly traditional klezmer and Balkan material) and the Hard Times Orkestar (an 11-piece ensemble playing mainly Richard’s own compositions which have been characterised as “ethno-classical”.

Ros Hawley — with Richard Fay, Ros founded the Michael Kahan Kapelye at The University of Manchester as the Music department’s assessed klezmer assemble. As well as acting as the Musical Director (performance) for the university ensemble, she also performs with the Deli Babies and the Manchester Simcha Quartet, and she is heavily involved with music for health initiatives.