SAMECH is currently based in Norway, but was started in 2003 in Krakow, Poland, by Anna Ostachowska – violinist, composer and arranger. She graduated from the Krakow Academy of Music, Poland and the Birmingham Conservatory of Music in the United Kingdom. Classical music education has been important when combining classical music and traditional klezmer.
Anna has for many years been associated with the Kazimierz district of Krakow – the capital of klezmer music in Poland.
Samech started by playing traditional klezmer music. After a few years, the musicians decided to take a break and started traveling the world,
to Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan and several other countries.
In 2010, Samech started a regular partnership with the Galicia Jewish Museum in Krakow.
Samech mixes different types of music that are difficult to classify in a style. Some would call it world music – with sounds and rhythms that originate from different parts of the world.
The style is based on classical klezmer and oriental music, but also in jazz, latino, folk music and among others.
Most of Samech’s compositions are written and arranged by the violinist Anna Ostachowska and violinist Agata Krauz.
In 2012, Samech released their debut album “Quachatta” in John Zorn’s record label “TZADIK” in New York. Samech is the second band from Poland to release an album on this prestigious record label.
With:
Anna Ostachowska, viola
Marit Aspås, cello
Rolf Balterzen, double bass
Robert Sztorc, percussion
Miki Campins, percussion
Foto: Anna Ostachowska