Projects

ŠAKNYS

As a consequence of Galya Sky's Master Research and a search for empowerment through music, a dark neo-folk band ŠAKNYS (Lith. - Roots) was born.

The ensemble features a diverse array of instruments that create a unique musical experience. At its core, the resonant tones of the cello blend harmoniously with the delicate strings of the kanklės, adding a melodic foundation. The screaming call of the horn and the distinctive wail of the endlessly sounding bagpipe introduce spirited layers, while the rhythmic heartbeat of numerous drums drives the tempo forward. With not one, but three bass instruments, the ensemble achieves a profound depth, complemented by the expressive warmth of the Birbynė, clarinet and, on occasion, the deeper voice of the bass clarinet. Not to forget, just as in the days of old Baltic tribes, every lyric is voiced together - band members and audience bound in a single chant, reminding the power of community and the immense strength that togetherness holds. This intricate blend invites listeners into a vibrant world of sound, where traditional and contemporary influences meld.

ŠAKNYS empowers through earth-shaking drones, enchanting melodies and cathartic rhythms. Drawing inspiration from the old Baltic songs, ŠAKNYS bridges ancient traditions with contemporary expression, creating a hauntingly hypnotic sonic experience. With their deep-rooted connection to Nature, ancestral empowerment and mythology, Šaknys invite listeners to reconnect with the depths of the human soul, where darkness meets light and primal rhythms resonate with the echoes of ages past.

Stage Strings Quartet

Galya Sky is the co-founder of the enchanting string quartet that brings together a unique blend of talent from the Netherlands, Spain and Lithuania. They specialize in a diverse repertoire that spans filmscore music, video game soundtracks, folk melodies, speedy jazz tunes alongside big bands, and delightful pop songs. What sets them apart is their ability to craft their own arrangements and improvise together, creating a refreshing and dynamic sound. With a penchant for the whimsical and the fantastical, their performances often transport audiences to magical realms, reminiscent of grand balls and epic adventures. This quartet’s innovative spirit and cross-cultural influences make each performance a captivating experience, celebrating the magic of music in every performance.

Trimalis

Freedom, openness, infinity, and diverse cultures come together in this remarkable trio. Trimalis is a new group formed by three musical nomads: drummer/percussionist Joost Lijbaart, multi-instrumentalist Koen Boeijinga, and cellist Galya Sky. Through tribal melodies, improvisations, and hypnotic rhythms, Trimalis creates a distinctive group sound best described as “world jazz.”

The trio uses unorthodox instruments from all corners of the globe—such as bagpipes, Mesoamerican flutes, and Indian harmonium—combined with cello, saxophone, drums, and a wealth of African and Asian percussion.
A Trimalis concert is an auditory experience: spiritual, exploratory, and transcendent.
Music that transcends boundaries and invites listeners into a world of mystical and cultural richness.

Theatre

The theatre is Galya’s sanctuary - where every shadow holds a story and the silence between sounds breathes with possibility; a space where creativity unfolds beneath the quiet watch of the stage lights.

Raised attending countless theatre plays, Galya Sky developed an early love for the stage and the stories it holds. This deep-rooted connection grew into a lifelong passion for storytelling through sound. Today, she is a familiar and frequent presence in the world of performance arts, often found in theatres and interdisciplinary projects, where her musical voice enriches live performance with depth and nuance.

Galya expertly enhances theatrical narratives by complementing them with music. Her intuitive ability to improvise alongside actors and dancers brings a unique energy to every show, transforming scenes into immersive experiences. Drawing from a rich background in poetry and comedy, she weaves lyrical beauty and subtle humor into her soundscapes, often led by the naturally dramatic tones of her cello.

Each performance becomes a powerful journey—an emotional bridge between story and audience. Galya’s artistry doesn’t merely accompany the action on stage; it expands it, shaping atmosphere and emotion with remarkable sensitivity. Through her work, she reveals the transformative power of music in storytelling, ensuring that the resonance of each performance lingers long after the curtain falls.

Theatre Projects

'Antigone’ theatre play Groninger Toneel, NL. 2019.

‘Entropy’ by Nicholas Thayer, cello parts for Zurich Ballet Junior Company, Switzerland. 2021.

‘Het Veendammer Leven’ operette, Veendam, NL. 2023.

‘Opera Forward Festival’, Nationale Opera & Ballet Amsterdam, NL. 2024.

‘Stuk Ijzer!’ theatre play, Gelderland Muziek, NL. 2024.

‘Bethlehem’ theatre play, Oosterwijtwerd, NL. 2024-2025.