Hillai Govreen is a clarinetist, saxophonist and composer based in New York.

Hillai has toured and collaborated with
international musicians including George Cables, George Colligan, Arturo O’farill, Gino Sitson and Anat Cohen.
Hillai graduated with honors from The New School for Jazz and contemporary music in 2020 where she was fortunate to study with Chris Cheek, Tony Malaby, Anat Cohen, Steve Cardenas, Reggie Workman, Mike McGinnis, Billy Harper and others.

Born and raised in Israel her love for music was triggered at an early age. She started playing classical piano at the age of 6 and when she was 12 she picked up the clarinet and later the saxophone. Throughout high school she was awarded musical scholarships from the American Israel cultural foundation 4 years in a row and played first clarinet in the young Israeli philharmonic orchestra. She was awarded “outstanding musician” by the IDF and was accepted with a full scholarship to study at the “Barenboim Saiid” academy in Berlin.

Hillai chose to play the P.Mauriat clarinet and saxophone since both instruments possess a rich open tone, spectacular intonation, responsive and free blowing and great key-work. Her instruments are her vehicle to find her unique sound and touch people’s souls through music.