Gilad Ephrat

Gilad Ephrat - Composer & Double Bassist
A visionary composer and accomplished double bassist, Gilad Ephrat's musical journey has been one of profound exploration and unique synthesis. Rooted in classical training under Michael Klinghoffer (Academy of Music, Jerusalem) and Teddy Kling (Israel Philharmonic Orchestra), Gilad embarked on a fascinating 19-year exploration into diverse musical landscapes beyond his initial jazz and classical foundations. His curiosity then led him to immerse himself in the rich weave of global folk traditions, starting with the intricate melodies of the East, followed by the soulful expressions of American and Celtic folk music, and culminating in the vibrant rhythms of Latin America and Africa.
These diverse influences, interwoven with the sonic tapestry and landscapes of his upbringing spent between the United States, Sweden, and the Jezreel Valley in Israel, have given birth to Gilad's distinctive and compelling compositional voice.
Gilad's exceptional talent has made him a sought-after collaborator, performing and recording with leading Israeli artists such as Idan Raichel, Yasmin Levy, Nurit Galron, and Noa, among many others. He was a founding member of the acclaimed band "Makondo" and has shared the stage with prominent figures in world music, including Ara Dinkjian, Giora Faidman, Yair Dalal, Eyal Sela, Zohar Fresco, Mark Eliyahu, and the Israeli Ethnic Ensemble, performing extensively both in Israel and internationally. For four years, Gilad also toured the globe as the double bassist for the renowned international singer Lara Fabian.
The Gilad Ephrat Ensemble
In 2012, Gilad Ephrat realized his vision with the formation of the Gilad Ephrat Ensemble. Known for their captivating live performances and unique instrumental dialogues, this collective of world-class musicians showcases exceptional technical skill and artistic sensitivity, engaging in a captivating interplay where instruments fluidly exchange roles between melody and harmony. This unique dialogue creates a dynamically flowing and rhythmically engaging soundscape, drawing listeners into the enchanting world of each original composition.
The Ensemble's repertoire features original works by Gilad Ephrat, characterized by a distinctive compositional style that seamlessly blends the diverse genres that have shaped his musical life: classical, jazz, and the myriad colors of global folk and Israeli music.
Their debut album, "Gilad Ephrat Ensemble," was released in 2015, followed by "Stockholm" in 2018. In 2020, they released a live album in collaboration with the Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra, "Gilad Ephrat Ensemble & NK Orchestra." Since then, Gilad has continued to explore diverse musical avenues, including the ongoing "Gilad Ephrat Plays Van Gogh" project, which has been released as a series of singles inspired by the artist's paintings, and the collaborative duo project "Bassolin" with mandolin player Shmuel Elbaz. The Ensemble continues to perform in Israel and abroad, and Gilad remains an active composer and collaborator on various projects.
The Gilad Ephrat Ensemble has graced the stages of numerous prestigious concerts and festivals in Israel, including the Kfar Blum Classic Music Festival, Eilat Jazz Festival, International Klezmer Festival in Jerusalem, Jacob’s Ladder Festival, Classicameri International Festival in Eilat, Jerusalem International Oud Festival, 1 and the Israel Piano Festival, among others. Their international performances include tours in Brazil, South Korea, France, Italy, Cyprus, Denmark, and the UK, where they had the honor of performing for Prince Charles at the Royal Albert Hall.