Jimmy Drancsak

Jimmy Drancsak is a violinist, violist, and fiddler living in New York City. Jimmy has performed with various groups across Europe and the Americas, including The English Concert, Les Arts Florissants, and Trinity Baroque Orchestra, and has shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as Paul Simon, Rhiannon Giddens, and Barbara Hannigan. A native of Skaneateles, New York, Jimmy grew up studying classical violin and North American fiddle styles, and has always been interested in the American fiddle tradition and improvisation. The crossover between various fiddle styles and 17-18th century repertoire serves as an inspiration towards Jimmy’s approach to historically-informed performance.

Jimmy is the co-founder and teaching artist of the Juilliard Fiddle Club, now in its fifth year, which meets weekly and provides opportunities for rote-learning and experimentation for all students at The Juilliard School. Additionally, he is a founding member of In Nomine Ensemble, Arrow Quartet, and most recently, New Amsterdam String Band, a New York City-based ensemble that focuses on American traditional music with a historical approach. Jimmy is a proud graduate of The Juilliard School, SUNY Fredonia, and Skaneateles High School, and is thrilled to have shaped a career that can blend so many different musical styles together.