Pipes’n’Strings: A Unique Fusion

Silja is the Low German diminutive of Cäcilia, the patron saint of musicians and poets. Founded in 2018 by bagpiper Kristina Künzel, the ensemble’s mission is to "dust off" German traditional music and reinterpret it in a bold, contemporary way. The result is a unique "tradfusion" where German folk meets Yiddish soul and jazzy elements.

 

A Meeting of Traditions
 

The group’s sound is defined by the meeting of three distinct musical worlds. Kristina’s ambition found its perfect match in the internationally renowned klezmer virtuoso Mark Kovnatskiy, who was seeking a new creative outlet. Together with the versatile guitarist Ben Aschenbach, they formed a trio that blends groovy dance tunes, melancholic ballads, and spirited drinking songs into a seamless atmospheric experience.

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Virtuosity and Innovation

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With an extraordinary line-up featuring various German and Swedish bagpipes, violin, and guitar/cittern, Silja’s performances are full of surprises. The music oscillates between tradition and modernity, exploring the deep historical intersections between German and Jewish musical cultures.

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Discography and Recognition

The ensemble has documented its musical journey on two significant recordings. Their debut album, "tradfusion" (2020), set the stage for their signature sound, followed by the highly anticipated second album, "tradtuur" (2025), which expands their exploration of the German-speaking traditional world and original compositions.

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Lineup:

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• Kristina Künzel – bagpipes

• Mark Kovnatskiy – violin

• Ben Aschenbach – guitar, cittern​​