Born in Greece, Avram Pengas is a virtuoso bouzouki player and guitarist known for his fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern sounds. His career began in the Israeli Air Force Band before bringing his talents to New York’s top venues, including Avery Fisher Hall and Town Hall. In 1979, he founded the renowned nightclub “Noga” in Greenwich Village, where he and fellow musicians showcased a dynamic blend of world music. Pengas has performed at major festivals across the U.S. and Israel and contributed to Off-Broadway productions. Today, he remains a fixture in New York’s live music scene.

Alicia Svigals, a violinist and composer, is the world’s foremost klezmer fiddler and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics. Nearly singlehandedly reviving klezmer fiddle traditions, she has composed for theater, film, and dance, collaborated with Itzhak Perlman, and performed with legends like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. Her compositions, including film scores and concert works, push the boundaries of Jewish music. Honored with awards including an honorary doctorate from JTS, Svigals continues to perform globally, blending tradition with innovation in every note.