Have traditional instruments like violin, viola, piano and trumpet; now add a laptop. This is not unusual these days, but if such is the delivery of Jewish music that builds on ancient tradition and is subject to modern innovation bordering on experiment, things become quite stirring.

The musical heart of the band that has been classified many things from world music, folk to art rock is Roy Yarkoni, composer and pianist; the band’s face is the charismatic vocalist Yael Kraus. However, without lyrics by the renowned Israeli poet, Karen Alkalay Gut, Panic Ensemble would be half of what it is today.