SAMARIA KLEZMER BAND

Klezmer is the voice of the soul transcends words.

ABOUT US

Samaria Klezmer Band was estabilished in 2016 composed of experienced and renowned musicians, fuses traditional klezmer melodies with elements of world music and folk traditions, giving klezmer music a fresh and modern sound while preserving its authentic Eastern European Jewish roots.

The Sound of Tradition Reimagined

Our music is a journey through time and culture, weaving together the rich tapestry of Eastern European klezmer with global rhythms and folk traditions. Each performance is an emotional experience, blending soulful melodies, vibrant improvisation, and dynamic arrangements.

From heartfelt ballads to energetic dance tunes, the band's sound transcends boundaries, connecting audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether on stage or in the studio, we delivers a captivating and modern interpretation of klezmer music, honoring its heritage while infusing it with fresh energy and creativity.

The Artists Behind the Music

Meet the Members of SAMaRIA KLEZMER BAND

SAMARIA KLEZMER BAND is a group of exceptional musicians who combine their experience, passion, and creativity to bring new life to traditional klezmer music. Each member contributes a unique style and perspective, crafting a distinctive sound that inspires and moves audiences around the world.

Júlia Janík DiS.art.

vocal

Born in 1980, she graduated from the Bratislava Conservatory /SK/ under the guidance of Alžbeta Bukoveczká, where she studied opera singing. During her 12 years in Sweden, she was a member of the internationally recognized Maria Kören mixed choir, led by Agneta Sköld /Västerås/.

Ildikó Varsányi

violin

She completed her studies at the State Conservatory in Bratislava /SK/. At the age of 16, she became the lead violinist of the accompanying band for the Szőttes Chamber Folk Dance Ensemble in Bratislava, later founding the family-led VARSÁNYI ensemble.

Gyuri Varsányi

percussion

He pursued his music studies at the Bratislava People’s Conservatory /SK/ and later in Budapest /HU/ under the guidance of Gyula Kovács and Imre Kőszegi, faculty leaders at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music.

Mgr.art. Barnabás Kollárik

clarinet

Born in 1990, he´s a graduate of the Bratislava Conservatory /SK/ under Professor Drlička and the Academy of Performing Arts (VŠMU) under Professor Stepanov /SK/, specializing in clarinet performance.

Tibor Lelkes

accordeon

He developed a passion for music at an early age, beginning his musical studies at the Németh-Šamorínsky István Zeneművészeti Alapiskola (School of Music, SK), where he learned to play the accordion.

In Focus: Moments with THE BAND

A Visual Journey Through Music and Passion

For bookings, event inquiries, or collaborations, please contact our manager Daniel. We’re excited to bring the vibrant sounds of SAMARIA KLEZMER BAND to your audience and make your event unforgettable. Let’s start the conversation today!

Video CLIPS

Experience the vibrant energy of our Klezmer Band through our videos! From soulful melodies to lively dance tunes, our performances bring the rich tradition of Klezmer music to life. Watch, enjoy, and let the rhythm take you on a journey through Eastern European musical heritage.

bAy mir bistu sheyn

belz MAYN SHTETELE BELZ

Dzhankoye

HAVA NAGILA

CHIRIBIM CHIRIBOM

Misirlou

Oy Mame BIN IKH FARLIBT

Yiddishe Mame

Our Album

Experience the soul of klezmer music! Listen to our latest album and let the melodies take you on a journey.

LISTEN

Bring samaria klezmer BAND to Your Stage

contact & booking

Whether you're looking to book a performance or have any inquiries, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to our manager for all communication and collaboration opportunities. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Daniel Schönberger | Daniel@omanim-booking.de | +43 677 6305 87 55 / AT, Germany, Western Europe, USA /
Julia Janik | samaria.klezmer@gmail.com | +421 911 328 228 / SK CZ HU /

Júlia Janík DiS.art., vocal
Born in 1980, she graduated from the Bratislava Conservatory /SK/ under the guidance of Alžbeta Bukoveczká, where she studied opera singing. During her 12 years in Sweden, she was a member of the internationally recognized Maria Kören mixed choir, led by Agneta Sköld /Västerås/. She also collaborated as a soloist with the Kamus Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Lennart Ögren /Västerås/. Since 2018, she has been working as a vocal teacher at the Art School ”Základná Umelecká Škola Štefana Németha-Šamorínskeho“ in Šamorín /SK/, and she also works as a private vocal coach. In the same year, she joined the band as a vocalist and has since become its leader and manager.

Ildikó Varsányi, violin
She completed her studies at the State Conservatory in Bratislava /SK/. At the age of 16, she became the lead violinist of the accompanying band for the Szőttes Chamber Folk Dance Ensemble in Bratislava, later founding the family-led VARSÁNYI ensemble. Together, they actively promoted the expansion of hungarian folk dance houses in Slovakia. She has performed internationally countless times. In 2017, she was awarded the "Táncház" Prize in Budapest, and in 2021, she received Slovakia's most prestigious Hungarian music award, the "Harmónia Díj” /Lifetime Achievement Award/ For several years now, she has also been the editor of the hungarian live program “Élő népzene” /Living Folk Music/ on Bratislava’s Pátria Radio in Slovakia.

Mgr.art. Barnabás Kollárik, clarinet
Born in 1990, he´s a graduate of the Bratislava Conservatory /SK/ under Professor Drlička and the Academy of Performing Arts (VŠMU) under Professor Stepanov /SK/, specializing in clarinet performance. He further honed his craft by participating in advanced masterclasses and interpretation courses led by renowned musicians such as Armani Igor, Béla Kovács, Gábor Varga, and István Varga. Throughout his studies, Barnabás achieved success in national and international competitions. His versatility extends beyond classical music into jazz and popular music. He pursued jazz studies at the Egressy Béni Conservatory in Budapest /HU/, specializing in saxophone. Previously, he served as a substitute clarinetist with the Slovak Philharmonic. Currently, he is active in various ensembles and projects, includingBratislavaHot Serenaders,Ensemble Spectrum, JazzLab Project, Traditional & Revival Jazz Band, Trio I(n)spirazione, and GrooveTrain.

Tibor Lelkes, accordion

He developed a passion for music at an early age, beginning his musical studies at the Németh-Šamorínsky István Zeneművészeti Alapiskola (School of Music, SK), where he learned to play the accordion. Later, in Győr (HU), under the guidance of teacher Ákos Cziglényi, he mastered the double bass. He was deeply influenced by violin teacher Brigitta Hegyi and Mária Ürge, as well as by his involvement with the Csali band in Šamorín (SK), which had a significant impact on his musical journey. These experiences inspired him to continue actively playing music to this day. He has performed with numerous Hungarian folk music ensembles and is regularly invited to collaborate with various bands.

Gyuri Varsányi – percussion
He pursued his music studies at the Bratislava People’s Conservatory /SK/ than in Budapest /HU/ under the guidance of Gyula Kovács and Imre Kőszegi, faculty leaders at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. He became a member of the accompanying band for the Szőttes Folk Dance Ensemble. Collaborating with the family-led Varsanyi Ensemble, actively promoted the expansion of folk dance houses in Slovakia. His activities includes numerous international tours,appearances on tv&radio programs.Performed with various bands such as the VUS Orchestra, Gravis-Marika Gombitová, Knock-Out-Júlia Hečková, Jully's Orchestra, Just Jazz, Hajnal Quintet, Dušan Huščava Quintet, Gaudium,Nomaad,DFB,performed at prestigious events like the Jazz Days & clubs in Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia,Austria,also on Habsburg Wedding, than King's Festival Morocco, and festivals in Luzern, Munich, Kiev, Oslo, YouthFest in Hangzhou (China), and Puri (India), among others.
Played&contrib.: VUS LP (1983) · Hungary DanceHouseFest LP (1985,1986,1988) · Marika Gombitová and Gravis LP (1986) · Knock-Out - Júlia Hečková LP (1987) · Gravis LP (1989) ·Varsányi LP (1991) ·La Rubia CD (1995) ·Slovak Jazz Anthology CD (1992 / Just Jazz) ·Csalló Folk Ensemble CD (2014) ·Light Of Crystals (R. Gasparik) CD (2015) · Singing Group S.M. CD (2015) · Nomaad CD (2015) ·The People CD (2016) · Samaria Klezmer Band Vol. 1 CD (2023)
Awards;1st Prize in "Best Band" category ITA Gorizia International Festival Contest (1986) Szőttes/Varsányi, 2nd Prize Slovakia Jazz Festival,Žilina (1995), Burg Mautendorf Jazz Competition,Austria,among the top 8 European participants with Just Jazz ,3rd place Cseh Tamás Competition,Budapest/2015/ with Koronas Band. He is listed in the Who’s Who in Popular Music (Cambridge, England, 1999).