“Superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm…creating a sense of human communication with the divine.”
— All Things Considered, NPR
About Eliyahu Sills
As a highly acclaimed musician of multiple instruments, Eliyahu’s devotion to his craft and his profound understanding of various musical lineages have garnered him recognition and admiration worldwide.
With a deep love and dedication to his art, Eliyahu has immersed himself in the study and performance of multiple musical traditions. These include folkloric and spiritual music of various Middle Eastern lineages, Indian Hindustani Ragas, and the multifaceted branches of African-American music, including Jazz, Soul, and Funk.
At the forefront of his musical endeavors stands The Qadim Ensemble, a groundbreaking project that transcends cultural boundaries to bring together the diverse musical traditions of the Middle East. With their CD reaching #7 on Billboard’s World Music charts, The Qadim Ensemble serves as a testament to Eliyahu’s dedication to bringing people of diverse cultures together through the universal language of music.
Eliyahu captivates audiences with soulful performances on instruments such as the ney flutes, Indian bansuri bamboo flute, and upright bass. His authenticity and skill resonate deeply, drawing listeners into the rich tapestry of his musical expression.
In addition to his work with The Qadim Ensemble, Eliyahu shines as a solo artist captivating audiences with his soulful performances on instruments such as the ney (Persian, Turkish, and Arabic reed flutes), the Indian bansuri bamboo flute, the upright bass and the oud. Whether exploring the depths of Hindustani Ragas, delving into Middle Eastern folkloric and devotional music, or breathing new life into ancient Jewish songs, Eliyahu’s authenticity and soulful musicianship leave an indelible mark on his listeners.
He performs throughout the country with his critically acclaimed band The Qadim Ensemble and as a solo artist as well as collaborating with many highly acclaimed musicians. Eliyahu continues to enchant audiences nationwide, from large concerts to intimate solo performances.
Studies
Eliyahu studied for over a decade with the late Hindustani bansuri flute master G.S. Sachdev, one of the worlds most highly esteemed musicians in that ancient tradition.
In Istanbul, Turkey he studied the ney under masters Neyzen Omer Erdogdular and Neyzen Ahmet Kaya. He returned two years later to further his studies. Later in Israel he studied with Neyzen Itamar Shachar. In Morocco Eliyahu studied Arabic ney (nai) with Akdii Abdelsalaam, as well as Gnawa music with Hossein Bohalibambara Bziz.
In the 1990’s, studied at the New School of Jazz in New York City, playing upright bass. His most influential teachers there were Makanda Ken McIntyre, Arnie Lawrence, and Reggie Workman, who played with John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, and Art Blakey,
