Hop Skotshne – Klezmer with Heart, Humour and High Energy

Get ready for an evening of irresistible rhythm, soaring melodies, and unbridled joy as Hop Skotshne take the stage. This dynamic six-piece Klezmer band from South East London breathe new life into the traditional wedding music of Eastern European Jewish communities, adding their own inventive flair to an already vibrant repertoire.

The band’s name, “Hop Skotshne,” is a playful nod to a classic Klezmer dance tune, and it perfectly captures their approach—rooted in tradition, but never afraid to twist, turn, and surprise. Their music is a rich blend of laughter, longing, and celebration, carrying the listener through the full spectrum of emotion that Klezmer is known for. One moment, a soulful violin line might bring a tear to your eye; the next, a blazing trumpet riff will have you on your feet.

Their line-up is as distinctive as their sound:

•Hannah Ochner – Clarinet

• Oliver Presman – Trumpet

•Han Fisher – Violin

•Millie Presman – French Horn

•Adina Presman – Accordion

•Karen Yarnell – Poyk (an Eastern European portable drum kit)

Together, they create a lush, multi-layered sound where melodies weave, harmonies blossom, and rhythms pulse with infectious energy. The inclusion of the French horn and poyk alongside traditional Klezmer instruments gives Hop Skotshne a sonic signature that is unmistakably their own.

Their live performances are more than just concerts—they’re communal experiences. Audiences are swept along on an emotional journey, from slow, aching doinas to foot-stomping freylekhs. It’s music that blurs the line between stage and floor, inviting everyone to become part of the celebration. They’ve been known to shake entire venues with their energy—most memorably in a rousing two-set performance aboard London’s historic Golden Hinde, where their sound filled the ship’s wooden hull with unstoppable rhythm.

Whether you’re a lifelong Klezmer fan or a newcomer curious about the genre, Hop Skotshne will win you over with their warmth, virtuosity, and the sheer joy they bring to every note. Come ready to laugh, cry, and—most importantly—dance.

Source: The Harrison website