"Ljova and the Kontraband play genre-defying music beautifully and soulfully. Organically bringing together influences ranging from classical and new music, klezmer, tango, jazz, Gypsy music and more, their music is smartly original, steeped in tradition while moving those traditions forward"--Bill Bragin, Lincoln Center. Founded by composer and violist Lev "Ljova" Zhurbin and inspired by his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project, the Kronos Quartet, and Osvaldo Golijov, the Kontraband draws on a multitude of cross-cultural influences to fearlessly forge a new direction.