Woodwind specialist based in London, focusing on various world and folk musics. Specifically interested in exploring traditions from the Pale of Settlement (klezmer and co-territorial), and the Balkans..
BIO
John studied on the prestigious BA Jazz course at Leeds College of Music (2010), and graduated from the MA Music Performance course at SOAS (2017) with distinction.
Having played with many leading ensembles and musicians John has also worked in theatre (the London Bubble, Nick Cassenbaum, Viva Productions), and done both live and recorded sessions for television and film (BBC Persian, BBC World Service, Bleach Productions, BMG).
Current projects include leading; Klezmer Foygl (Klezmer Songbird) - a new ensemble featuring some of the UK's finest Klezmer musicians, working with Ilana Cravitz to run the National Klezmer Youth Orkester (NKYO), and being a director and co-founder of 'KlezMargate' Festival.
He also co-founded award-winning Klezmer ensemble 'Oysland' (World Music Network, Battle of the Bands, 2017), trad Klezmer trio 'Loshn', and plays traditional Bulgarian/Macedonian music with 'Raka Balkan Band'.
As an educator, John has extensive experience teaching Klezmer music, having tutored students at BA and Masters level, and being a faculty member at Festivals including KlezNorth (2024, and 2025), KlezMargate (2024), and KlezFest London (2023 and 2024). He also directed the SOAS (University of London) Klezmer band from 2015-2019.
'Barnstorming alto sax'
Ian Mann, thejazzmanndotcom, London Jazz Festival, 2015
'Top-notch, next-generation Klezmer'
DJ Ritu, A World in London, Resonance FM
‘Top musicianship, true to the Klezmer tradition and great fun too!’
Broadstairs Folk Festival