Meet Isaac:

  • Isaac grew up in London, first engaging in music via the London Sephardi Community, a 350+ year old synagogue congregation with its own unique and intricate musical tradition. This interest was encouraged by Isaac’s grandfather in Oxford and his enormous home collection of musical instruments from around the world.

    At university in Southampton, Isaac found communities of folk music, and soon abandoned a Physics degree in favour of playing for English and European folk dancing – going on to graduate with a degree in Music instead.

    Back in London, Isaac drew these threads together, studying Ethnomusicology at SOAS University of London, first for an MA then a PhD, along with throwing themselves into London’s folk and dance scenes.

    On this website, you’ll find the various strings to Isaac’s bow that these diverse backgrounds have led to. The common factors are infectious energy, deep engagement with tradition, and warm inclusivity, in every part of their work.

  • Cellist

    Isaac plays English, Celtic, French and Scandinavian folk dance music, as well as Middle Eastern maqam-based music, bringing traditional playing styles to a non-traditional instrument to create a unique style.

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  • Ethnomusicologist

    Isaac researches traditional music, specialising in Sephardic Jewish music. Isaac’s research has taken them to almost 200 Sephardic synagogues across 10 countries, giving them a uniquely broad insight.

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  • Dance Facilitator

    Isaac loves dancing, and wants it to be fun, inclusive, and expressive. Isaac calls ceilidh dancing (British folk dance), and teaches and facilitates bal dancing (European folk dance).

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  • Jewish Educator

    Isaac is an empowering, engaging and expert teacher, from communal singing to textual discussions, from first-time readers to advanced hazzanut. Isaac also leads services and life-cycle events.

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Social Media

@floatingcello

Contact

Interested in any of the above? Want to collaborate, or ask a question? Just fancy a chat? Please reach out:

Photo credits top to bottom, Jess Benjamin 2025, Simon Burgess 2019, Gili Getz 2025, Ron Rietman 2023, Jess Benjamin 2025, Robin Gallardo-Parsons 2020