Adrienne Cooper is internationally recognized as one of this generation’s stellar performers and teachers of Yiddish vocal music. From Carnegie Hall to the famed Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, from Moscow to Jerusalem, she has mesmerized audiences and worked at the heart of the klezmer revival scene, defining a wholly original interpretation of Yiddish song. On her latest CD, Cooper has teamed up with longtime accompanist Marilyn Lerner and a cast of New York’s finest next generation Jewish musicians, led by clarinetist Michael Winograd. The result: a daring and inventive combination of deep Yiddish soul with fearless innovation rooted in klezmer, jazz, pop and world music. Featuring Adrienne Cooper (vocals), Marilyn Lerner (piano), Mike Winograd (clarinet), Benjy Fox-Rosen (bass), Avi Fox-Rosen (guitar), Chris Berry (drums), and additional guests.
In 2010, Adrienne Cooper appeared in
Combining the musical traditions of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean rim with rock, reggae and urban music, Balkan Beat Box’s “combustible mix of big, bright horns and high-energy electronic beats” (NY Times) has earned them “buzz” band status across Europe, Israel and North America. Their relentlessly energetic and carnivalesque live shows are quickly becoming the stuff of legend, building wild anticipation for their Toronto debut at the 2010 Ashkenaz Festival. Formed by saxophone player Ori Kaplan and drummer/programmer/producer Tamir Muskat (alumni of such notable NYC underground groups as Gogol Bordello, Firewater and Big Lazy) and the charismatic MC Tomer Yosef, the group also features Itamer Zeigler (bass), Peter Hess (saxophone, clarinet) and Jeremiah Lockwood (guitar).
“Guaranteed to propel any party into a hedonistic, sweaty mess, this cross-cultural crew of New York musicians cranks out Eastern Bloc-inspired techno grooves seemingly fueled by Manischewitz and a big dose of punk ‘tude.”
– Entertainment Weekly
In 2010, Balkan Beat Box appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 9:30pm on the Sirius Stage
Two of Toronto’s leading jazz and Jewish music artists, Brian Katz (guitar) and Jonno Lightstone (flute/clarinet) combine their talents to explore some rarely performed klezmer repertoire. Bringing together a multitude of musical styles and a wealth of experience and virtuosity, they create a variety of moods; weaving the melodies of klezmer music with the sounds and textures of chamber music, modal jazz, Indian raga, and down home blues.
In 2010, Brian Katz and Jonno Lightstone appeared in
Deli Duos
- Friday, September 3rd at 2:00pm at Caplansky's Delicatessan
An eclectic variety evening featuring various festival artists performing solos, duos and trios, hosted by Ashkenaz Festival founder David Buchbinder.
In 2010, Cabaret: Echad, Tsvey,Tres appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 11:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
A lively showcase of local community groups and up-and-coming ensembles in the Toronto klezmer scene. The UTYO Klezmer Band, under the direction of musician-educator Brian Katz combines past and present klezmer students from the University of Toronto and York University klezmer courses. The band performs a variety of repertoire with an emphasis on contemporary interpretations of the klez canon. Featuring Rosano Coutinho (piano), Gabe Benchitrit (mandolin), Emma Heath-Engel (voice), Tessa Laengert (voice), D. Alex Meeks (drums), Joseph Landau (guitar), Neil Cass (violin), James McKie (violin), Michelle Dussard (piano, bass), Jacob Shoihet (trumpet), John Williams (clarinet), and Brian Katz (guitar, vocals). Klezkonnection is a vibrant community klezmer band led by clarinettist Jonno Lightstone. Bursting with freylekh energy, this group includes no less than three saxophones, clarinet, flute, trumpet, violin, cello, accordion and a three-piece rhythm section. These amateur musicians based at Beth Tzedik Synagogue bring their irrepressible zest and talent to old world klezmer repertoire. Featuring Ellen Rosenbluth (keyboard), Zatzman –(guitar), Terry Rosen (accordion), Jules Vaisberg, Ed Segalowitz (cello), Neil Cass (violin), Harold Blond (flute), Ruthie Fishman (clarinet), Harold Wolfe (trumpet), Al Farrell (soprano saxophone), Allan Rosenbluth (alto saxophone), Ed Noy (tenor saxophone), and Jonno Lightstone (clarinet).
In 2010, Community Klezmer Showcase appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 1:00pm on the Redpath Stage
At the 2006 Ashkenaz Festival trumpeter, composer and Festival founder David Buchbinder unveiled his latest project: a collaboration with Cuban pianist/composer Hilario Durán that featured original music inspired by the common roots of Jewish and Afro-Cuban music in medieval Spain. Odessa/Havana went on to release a critically acclaimed, award-winning CD on the Tzadik label and to tour North America to sold-out houses, exciting audiences and critics alike. Now, with their first Toronto performance in a year, the ensemble returns with an all-new set of music that will form the basis of their sophomore Tzadik release this fall. This time out composers Buchbinder and Durán have made two significant changes, turning their attention to the influence of Sephardic music and bringing Ladino vocals into the mix. Maintaining the rhythmic drive, melodic sophistication and bravura virtuosity for which the ensemble has become known, Odessa/Havana will once again challenge and excite Ashkenaz audiences. Featuring David Buchbinder (trumpet), Hilario Duran (piano), Aleksandar Gajic (violin), Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Mark Kelso (drums), and guest vocalist Maryem Tollar.
In 2010, David Buchbinder's Odessa/Havana appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 7:00pm in the Brigantine Room
Di Tsvey features the traditional pairing of the violin and tsimbl (Jewish hammered dulcimer) as rendered by two of the world's leading masters of klezmer music. The duo of Steven Greenman (violin) and Pete Rushefsky (tsimbl) perform traditional klezmer as well as new compositions that are rooted in the traditional forms of 19th and early 20th century Europe. With playful and delicate musical interaction the group’s combination of artistry and soulfulness has enthralled audiences across North America and Europe. For this special Ashkenaz presentation the duo will lead a “student” ensemble of local string players through a set of virtuosi showpieces, lively dance tunes, and soulful nigunim, learned over three days of intensive morning workshops. The group’s repertoire will be augmented with contributions from other Festival string players, including Stas Rayko, Igor Polesitsky and Bob Cohen.
In 2010, Di Tsvey appeared in
With his soulful voice and charismatic style, Efim Chorny is one of Eastern Europe’s leading practitioners of traditional and contemporary Yiddish song, and a major figure in the revival of Yiddish culture in the former Soviet Union. With his longtime accompanist Susanna Ghergus he has performed and taught his unique repertoire in dozens of countries. Back at Ashkenaz by popular demand, Chorny and Ghergus will perform in the festival’s opening concert (August 31) in tribute to the late Yiddish poet Avram Sutzkever, and will be joined by Moldovan Roma violin virtuoso Marin Bunea of The Other Europeans for their September 5 set at Harbourfront Centre.
In 2010, Efim Chorny and Susanna Ghergus appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 4:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
Elaine Hoffman Watts is a third-generation klezmer musician, scion of the great Philadelphia Hoffman family of klezmorim, and the 2007 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award. The first woman percussionist to be accepted at Curtis Institute, from which she graduated in 1954, Watts has performed and taught for more than forty years, working in symphonies, theaters, and schools. Despite her considerable skills and family heritage, in her youth Ms. Watts was seldom given opportunities to perform, as many klezmer bands in the 1940s (and beyond) didn't want to employ a woman, even the great Jacob Hoffman's daughter. Over a decade ago, Ms. Watts began performing klezmer actively again with her daughter Susan Watts (Klez Dispensers, Mikveh) and she has since become a mentor and inspiration to an entire generation of young klezmer percussionists. Featuring Elaine Hoffman Watts (drums), Susan Watts (trumpet, vox), Alex Kontorovich (clarinet), Mark Rubin (bass, tuba), Marilyn Lerner (piano), and Dan Blacksberg (trombone).
In 2010, Elaine Hoffman Watts appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 8:00pm on the Sirius Stage
As members of the Sisters of Sheynville and The Lithuanian Empire, pianist Fern Lindzon and clarinettist Kinneret Sagee are well-known figures in Toronto’s Jewish music scene. Their duo performances draw on Klezmer and jazz, blending old and new with creativity and boisterous energy.
In 2010, Fern Lindzon and Kiki Neret appeared in
Deli Duos
- Wednesday, September 1st at 2:00pm at Caplansky's Delicatessan
Flory Jagoda was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where her mother’s family, the Altaras, were well-known singers and musicians for generations. Following the tragic obliteration of Sarajevo’s Sephardim in the Holocaust, Jagoda immigrated to the US, and for the last six decades has made it her personal mission to keep alive the rich Ladino musical tradition of Bosnia’s Jews, earning her the sobriquet "Keeper of the Flame.” Now in her eighties and residing in Washington, DC, Flory continues to perform and is known world-wide as one of the only authentic performers of Ladino music. Though in danger of extinction, Ladino music has recently experienced a minor revival, in no small part due to Flory Jagoda’s stewardship. In 2002, Flory was honoured with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts for her contribution to preserving a traditional art form. Featuring Flory Jagoda (vocals, guitar), Susan Gaeta (vocals, guitar), and Howard Bass (guitar), with special guests Milos Popovic (accordion), Aleksandar Gajic (violin), and Eric Stein (mandolin).
In 2010, Flory Jagoda appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 7:00pm at the Enwave Theatre
Iranian-descended singer Galeet Dardashti leads Divahn's edgy all-female power-house ensemble. The group has engendered an international following, performing in venues ranging from international concert halls to the most prestigious clubs in NYC. Infusing traditional and original Middle Eastern Jewish songs with sophisticated harmonies, entrancing improvisations, and funky arrangements, Divahn's thrilling live shows feature lush string arrangements, eclectic Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin percussion, and vocals spanning Hebrew, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), Persian, Arabic, and Aramaic. “Divahn,” a word common to Hebrew, Persian, and Arabic, means a collection of songs or poetry. Through their music, the group creatively underscores common ground between diverse Middle Eastern cultures and religions. Featuring Galeet Dardashti (lead vocals, percussion), Lila Sklar (violin, vocals), Sejal Kukadia (tabla, vocals), Eleanor Norton (cello, vocals), and Isabel Pupo-Walker (percussion, vocals).
In 2010, Galeet Dardashti and Divahn. appeared in
Divahn
- Sunday, September 5th at 8:00pm on the Sirius Stage
Vancouver singer-songwriter-accordion player Geoff Berner has garnered critical acclaim and a fast-growing cult following for his sharp songwriting and cabaret performance style. His latest album, “Klezmer Mongrels,” is a klezmer-punk-folk-dance album full of subversive satire and tongue-in-cheek songcraft. Having completed his "Whiskey Rabbi" CD trilogy, Berner is now exploring new directions doubling his trio to a sextet and enlisting Montreal Yiddish beat scientist Socalled to produce his next CD. Ashkenaz audiences will hear a preview of Berner’s new sound and repertoire. Featuring Diona Davies (violin), Wayne Adams (percussion), Brigitte Dajczer (violin), Michael Winograd (clarinet) and Benjy Fox-Rosen (bass).
In 2010, Geoff Berner appeared in
Jaffa Road is an acclaimed Toronto-based world music group made up of some of Canada’s most exciting and virtuosic interpreters of inter-cultural music. The group has created a unique sonic landscape that draws easily and organically from the worlds of sacred and secular Jewish songs, Classical Arabic and Indian music, modern jazz, rock, pop, and dub. In doing so, the group creates a union between acoustic and electronic, ancient and modern. Individually and collectively the band members are well known and sought after players nationally and internationally. They have performed and recorded with many influential musicians in the Canadian and International pop, rock, jazz, and world music scenes. Their debut CD “Sun Place” (2009) received wide critical acclaim and a Juno nomination for World music album of the year. Jaffa Road is Aaron Lightstone (guitars, oud, saz, synthesizers), Aviva Chernick (vocals), Chris Gartner (bass), Jeff Wilson (drums) and Sundar Viswanathan (saxophone).
In 2010, Jaffa Road appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 2:00pm on the Sirius Stage
With its caffeinated mix of energetic, wild Balkan Gypsy songs and urban funk/rock/jazz grooves, musician Lubo Alexandrov's band Kaba Horo (raw dance), is a striking collusion between Bulgarian Gypsy and New World musicians. From contagious dance floor rhythms, tinged with earthy camaraderie, to emotional and plaintive evocations of Middle Eastern styles, Kaba Horo's versatile repertoire delves into a cauldron of hot, fast and complex sounds. Their passionate, go-for the-throat spirit and energy is a knock out experience. Featuring Lubo Alexandrov (guitar, vocals), Suleyman Ozatilan (vocals, dance, darbuka), Sergiu Popa (accordion), Erik Hove (saxophone), Morgan Moore (bass), and Martin Auguste (drums).
In 2010, Kaba Horo appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 5:00pm on the Sirius Stage
Comprised of three principal players of Florence’s Orchestra del Maggio Musicale, a leading Italian symphony and opera orchestra, Klezmerata Fiorentina was formed in May of 2005 with the purpose of developing a concert version of traditional Ukrainian-Jewish instrumental music, the family heritage of the group’s founder, Igor Polesitsky. The resulting style could be described as improvised Klezmer chamber music, which imbues the unique instrumental language, dance rhythms and authentic melodies of the historical klezmorim with classical music's complexity of expression, elasticity of tempo and wide dynamic range. Featuring Igor Polesitsky (violin), Francesco Furlanich (accordion), and Riccardo Donati (bass).
In 2010, Klezmerata Fiorentina appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 2:30pm in the Brigantine Room
A veteran of the Toronto Jewish music scene, Prague-born singer, composer and cantorial soloist Lenka Lichtenberg has toured internationally and released a number of highly heralded CDs. For her fourth and most adventurous solo CD project, Lichtenberg has enlisted the talents of a unique assemblage of musicians rooted in diverse musical traditions. From classical Indian, Egyptian, and Middle-Eastern music to North and South American styles, “Free (Fray)” is an adventurous melding of modern Yiddish poetry with global musical influences. Blurring boundaries between styles and traditions, “Free” carves a new space in contemporary world music for Yiddishkayt. The “Free” band features some of Toronto’s leading world and jazz musicians, including Ravi Naimpally (tabla, dumbek), Alan Hetherington (drums, percussion), George Koller (bass), Ernie Tollar (flutes, saxophones), John Gzowski (guitars, oud), and George Sawa (qanun).
In 2010, Lenka Lichtenberg appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 6:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
The 2010 Ashkenaz Festival has commissioned the creation of a new repertoire of Jewish harmonica quartet music featuring the entire harmonica family (bass, chord, chromatic and diatonic). At once delightfully campy and musically sophisticated, such quartets were popular in the 1940s and 50s, with groups such as the Harmonica Rascals, the Harmonica Gang, and the legendary Harmonicats appearing on radio and television variety shows and even scoring number one hits. Frequently including in their repertoire renditions of Yiddish classics and Jewish folk melodies, these groups also captivated post-war Jewish audiences. After slipping into obscurity in the later 20th century, harmonica quartets have recently experienced a modest revival, with young virtuoso players around the world rediscovering this unique ensemble as a vehicle for modern creation. Quebec-based harmonicists Jason Rosenblatt, Samuel Caron, Levy Bourbonnais and Pascal Veillette are each at the forefront of developing a new and unique voice for their unsung instrument. Drawing on their collective influences, which encompass Klezmer, Turkish, Bulgarian, Quebecois folk, jazz, blues, and rock music, this unique quartet's world premiere collaboration is sure to generate buzz throughout the Klezmer and harmonica music scenes.
In 2010, Les Bâtards du Bouche appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 6:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
A multimedia concert program that brings together two musical traditions, East European Jewish and Ukrainian, which have existed side by side and interacted for centuries, mirroring the complex relationship between the two peoples that have nurtured them. Heirs to the legacy of innumerable folk bards and informed by the spirit of Bártok, Kodály, Stravinsky and other modernist national composers, Michael Alpert and Julian Kytasty continue to enrich their musical heritages with new compositions and arrangements that merge tradition and innovation. Collectively, the duo's work draws sustenance from the deep wellsprings of Ukrainian folk and liturgical song, the virtuosic art of the bandura (Ukrainian lute-harp), and three Jewish musical genres that reached their greatest European flowering on the soil of Ukraine: klezmer music, Yiddish folk song and the music of the Hasidic world. Along with the Jewish cantorial tradition, these preeminent art forms of the Yiddish world historically nourished each other while interacting closely with the diverse musical styles of non-Jewish neighbors. "Night Songs" continues this interaction in a contemporary setting through music, personal tale, commentary, and multimedia projection. Featuring Michael Alpert (vocals, violin, accordion) and Julian Kytasty (banduras, vocals, sopilka).
In 2010, Michael Alpert and Julian Kytasty appeared in
A leader in the second generation of the klezmer revival, clarinetist and composer Michael Winograd is considered a modern master of the klezmer clarinet style and has also developed his unique voice in the area of free-jazz with his musical group Infection. He regularly performs with such artists as Socalled, Budowitz, Frank London, Daniel Kahn and the Painted Bird, the Klezmer Conservatory Band, Kenny Wollesen, Michael Alpert, Alicia Svigals, and the Xylopholks. . The Michael Winograd Trio is completed by bassist/vocalist Benjy Fox-Rosen and accordionist Patrick Farrell.
In 2010, Michael Winograd Trio appeared in
Anklewicz/Berkok Duo creates improvised music based on motifs and ideas from the Jewish Music world. Saxophonist and clarinetist Mike Anklewicz is best known as the leader of KlezFactor, a local klezmer-fusion ensemble that has garnered critical acclaim for its two CD releases. Pianist Ali Berkok is also a founding member of KlezFactor and currently leads Arkana Music, a group noted for its compositional complexity, risk taking and virtuosity.
In 2010, Mike Anklewicz and Ali Berkok appeared in
Deli Duos
- Thursday, September 2nd at 2:00pm at Caplansky's Delicatessan
Get ready for a whole new approach to Masada music! Expressive and soulful, Basya Schecter, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb, Malika Zarra and Sofia Rei Koutsovitis are amongst the most creative vocalists working in the Jewish music scene today. Each the leader of a dynamic band of her own, they come together here in an intimate a cappella setting to interpret eleven songs from John Zorn's remarkable “Book of Angels”. With lyrics in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, French and Arabic drawn from Rumi, Fernando Pessoa, the Hebrew Bible and more, the Masada vocal project is perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful installment in the entire Angels series. Don't miss this dynamic and evocative New Jewish Music from four powerful women vocalists.
In 2010, Mycale appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 3:00pm in the Brigantine Room
With its singular sound, San Francisco’s Red Hot Chachkas swings, shakes, and serenades. Comprised of multi-talented performers on violin, clarinet, mandolin, accordion, bass, and drums, the group plays traditional Eastern European dance tunes, ranging from frenzied freylekhs to tranquil tantsn, plus many original compositions, arrangements, and improvisations, building on its klezmer roots and fusing with a variety of traditional and contemporary musical styles. Featuring Julie Egger (violin), Michael Arrow (drums), Tony Philips (mandolin), Barbara Speed (clarinet, flute, saxophone), Breck Diebel (bass) and Aaron Seeman (accordion).
In 2010, Red Hot Chachkas appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 3:30pm on the Sirius Stage
Two of Toronto’s veteran Klezmer and Jewish music performers, Sasha Luminsky and Martin Van de Ven have worked together for nearly twenty years in various contexts, as members of the Flying Bulgars, Chutzpah Ensemble, Beyond the Pale, and as a duo. With mutual backgrounds in classical music, each has extensively explored composition and performance of Jewish music in a chamber music context. Now, working with a string quartet commissioned for the Ashkenaz Festival, each will perform unique interpretations of contemporary Jewish chamber music as soloists, culminating in a combined performance. Featuring Martin van de Ven (clarinet), Sasha Luminsky (accordion), Aleksandar Gajic (violin, viola), Boris Mihaljcic (violin), Mateusz Swoboda (cello) and Andrew Downing (bass).
In 2010, Sasha Luminsky and Martin Van de Ven with String Quartet appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 5:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
A smash hit in its first incarnation at the 2008 Ashkenaz Festival, the 2010 Sephardic Cabaret broadens its focus eastward to include not only Jewish traditions of the Mediterranean and North Africa but also the Mizrachi traditions of Israel, Iraq and Iran. Hosted by Moroccan-Jewish master musician Gerard Edery, this variety evening will feature a diverse cast of Sephardic and Mizrachi artists from Toronto and around the world, including Aaron Bensoussan, Yair Dalal, Judith Cohen, Batsheva, Aviva Chernick, Susan Gaeta, Galeet Dardashti, and others.
In 2010, Sephardic and Mizrachi Cabaret appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 11:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace
Combine five musicians with deep roots in the music of the vast Black Sea region, simmer for a few years, stir and serve. The result is The Black Sea Station, a delicious stew of musical traditions, with Klezmer at its core. Formerly known as the North End Klezmer Project, the group was created by Winnipeg’s Victor and Myron Schultz (violin and clarinet, respectively) and Daniel Koulack (mandolin, guitar, bass), original members of the seminal Canadian klezmer outfit Finjan. Joined by veteran musician, producer and klezmer fanatic Ben Mink (violin) and the extraordinary Moldovan accordionist Nikolai Prisacar, The Black Sea Station will release its first recording, “Transylvania Avenue”, on the Rounder Records label. The band performs a combination of original compositions influenced by traditional styles, and traditional songs set with contemporary arrangements. The result is an invigorating blend of old and new that respects the roots of the different traditions, while landing squarely in the 21st century.
In 2010, The Black Sea Station appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 7:00pm in the Brigantine Room
Before wind and brass instruments began appearing in Klezmer ensembles of the late 19th and early 20th century, Klezmer music was performed almost exclusively by fidl kapelyes (string orchestras) that featured all members of the violin family, the tsimbl (hammered dulcimer) and percussion (poyk). Aiming to recreate the sound of these classic European Klezmer groups, the Fellowship of the Strings is a unique ensemble of professional and amateur musicians assembled especially for the 2010 Ashkenaz Festival. Under the direction of two of the world's leading masters of 19th century European klezmer music, violinist Steven Greenman and tsimblist Pete Rushefsky, the ensemble will perform a set of virtuosi showpieces, lively dance tunes, and soulful nigunim, learned over three days of intensive workshops. Building on the playful and delicate musical interaction characteristic of their work in the duo “Di Tsvey,” Greenman and Rushefsky will be joined by special guest instructors Stas Rayko (The Other Europeans), Igor Polesitsky (Klezmerata Fiorentina), and Bob Cohen (Di Naye Kapelye), who will contribute their own unique pieces and arrangements to the group’s repertoire.
Note: Workshops for participants in the Fellowship of the Strings will take place at Harbourfront Centre on Sept 4 from 4-6pm, and Sept 5 and 6 from 10am to 12pm. For registration information please see the “workshops” link under the “Festival” drop-down menu on the Ashkenaz Festival website.
In 2010, The Fellowship of the Strings appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 6:00pm on the Redpath Stage
The Other Europeans is an international gathering of fourteen leading Klezmer (Yiddish) and Lautari (Roma) musicians. Created and directed by Alan Bern, this new intercultural supergroup is creating powerful, deeply emotional and virtuosic music that restores a centuries-old cooperation between two groups who cohabited many of the same spaces in eastern Europe (particularly present-day Moldova) before being torn apart by war, Holocaust and immigration. Bringing together some of the most distinguished soloists from seven countries, The Other Europeans band is building new cultural relationships between two peoples who are often considered marginally European, but have played a major role in creating and transmitting European musical traditions. Many misconceptions have existed about Jewish and Roma cultures and their relationship. Now musicians from both worlds have come together to research and demystify their connected cultures and create a new heritage; an exciting contribution to a shared new European and Cosmopolitan identity. Featuring klezmer musicians Alan Bern (piano, accordion, musical direction), Dan Blacksberg (trombone), Paul Brody (trumpet), Matt Darriau (flute, saxophone, clarinet), Christian Dawid (clarinet, saxophone), Stanislav Rayko (violin), Mark Rubin (tuba, double bass), and Aaron Alexander (percussion), and lautar musicians Kalman Baloqh (cimbalom). Marin Bunea (violin), Csaba Novak (double bass), Peter Ralchev (accordion), Adrian Receanu (clarinet), and Adam Stinga (trumpet).
In 2010, The Other Europeans appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 9:30pm on the Sirius Stage
With its unique combination of rhythmic power and potent folklore The Sway Machinery takes no prisoners. Inspired by the rich tradition of Jewish cantorial music, band leader Jeremiah Lockwood of Balkan Beat Box fame infuses his new arrangements of traditional Yiddish, Aramaic and Hebrew songs with a healthy dose of new world inflections (blues, rock 'n' roll, afro pop) creating a frenzied yet sophisticated high octane sound. The band has featured an unusually accomplished line-up of New York musical luminaries, including drummer Brian Chase of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, bass saxophonist Colin Stetson of Arcade Fire and the Tom Waits' Band, and the trumpet and tenor sax horn section of the band Antibalas, Jordan McLean and Stuart Bogie. “Hidden Melodies Revealed”, the band's highly-anticipated debut full-length album was released on JDub Records. For Ashkenaz, The Sway Machinery features: Jeremiah Lockwood (guitar, vocals), John Altieri (sousaphone), John Bollinger (drums), Jordan McLean (trumpet) and Stuart Bogie (tenor saxophone).
In 2010, The Sway Machinery appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 11:00pm in the Brigantine Room
Tio Chorinho is a new Toronto ensemble dedicated to performing Brazilian choro music in the tradition of the great Jewish mandolin master Jacob do Bandolim. A virtuosic instrumentalist and prolific composer, do Bandolim was a major figure in the development of what many consider the "the New Orleans jazz of Brazil." Put more simply, before there was bossa nova and samba, there was choro. This uniquely Brazilian form of high-energy improvisational music blends European, African and South American traditions, and in Jacob do Bandolim's case, bears a strong inflection of his Jewish musical upbringing learning Yiddish folk songs from his Polish-Jewish grandmother. Intrigued by the subtle but surprising similarities between choro and klezmer music, mandolinist Eric Stein (Beyond the Pale) launched this project in spring 2009, recruiting both Jewish and Brazilian musicians to explore do Bandolim's seminal recordings and bring choro music to Toronto for the first time. Eric is joined in Tio Chorinho by Avital Zemer (7-string guitar), Joel Schwartz (mandolin), Maninho Costa (pandeiro), and Milos Popovic (accordion).
In 2010, Tio Chorinho appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 2:30pm at the Lakeside Terrace
Founded in 1925, the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir is the oldest continuing Jewish performing group in Canada. The Choir was formed on D'Arcy Street by workers from the needle-trades district. It specializes in perpetuating the heritage of Yiddish folk and working-class music. Its conductor is Alexander Veprinsky, and the piano accompanist is Lina Zemelman. For Ashkenaz 2010 the choir will perform a Suite by Srul Irving Glik with musical settings of work by five Canadian Yiddish poets, including Peretz Miransky and Rokhl Korn.
In 2010, Toronto Jewish Folk Choir appeared in
Concert - Monday, September 6th at 12:30pm in the Brigantine Room
Former Artistic Director of the Ashkenaz Festival, Mitch Smolkin, produces this dynamic tribute to Avrom Sutzkever, the most celebrated and cherished Yiddish poet of the 20th century, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 96. The evening will present Sutzkever's work through song, poetry, film, and music in a multifaceted exploration of the artist's prolific literary contribution. Sutzkever came of age as a poet in 1930s Vilna, as a member of Yung Vilne (“Young Vilna”), an avant-garde group of Yiddish writers and artists whose work was cut short by the holocaust. The group included such literary luminaries as Shmerke Kaczerginski and Chaim Grade. The evening will interweave musical compositions based on Sutzkever's poems, his most important writings (such as “Sibir”, his collaboration with Chagall), reflections about his life and work as a poet, and archival recordings of his readings (including “Vos Vet Blaybn” in Rabin Square). Sutkever's penchant to describe the natural world in his work, as well as his vivid and poignant accounts of the holocaust will be highlighted. The performance will use the landscape of Sutzkever's writings to delve deeper into the poet's life and times, and to celebrate and explore his artistic and cultural legacy. Featuring vocalists Mitch Smolkin, Theresa Tova, and Efim Chorny and actor Eileen Thalenberg with Susanna Ghergus (piano), Sasha Luminsky (accordion), Aleksandar Gajic (violin), Martin Van De Ven (clarinet), and Andrew Downing (bass).
In 2010, Tribute to Avram Sutzkever appeared in
Concert - Tuesday, August 31st at 7:30pm in the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue
One of Israel’s leading musicians, oud and violin virtuoso Yair Dalal is highly-acclaimed in World Music circles. Dalal’s unique artistry reflects his extensive musical skills in both classical and Arabic music, as well as his strong affinity for the desert and its inhabitants. Dalal’s family came to Israel from Baghdad and his Iraqi roots are embedded in his musical work. Dalal creates new Middle Eastern music by interweaving the traditions of Iraqi and Jewish Arabic music with a range of influences originating from such diverse cultural milieus as the Balkans and India. Dalal also devotes his efforts to preserving endangered musical heritages such as Babylonian music and the music of the Bedouin (the Sinai desert nomads). In addition to his musical work, Dalal is a committed peace activist, working to remove ideological barriers between different cultures and, in particular between Jews and Arabs. Yair Dalal will perform as a special guest artist with a number of ensembles during the Ashkenaz Festival, including Gerard Edery’s Caravan Ensemble and Divahn, and will appear in the Slichot service and the Sephardic and Mizrachi Cabaret.
In 2010, Yair Dalal appeared in
Slichot
- Saturday, September 4th at 10:00pm in Miss Lou's Room
Divahn
- Sunday, September 5th at 8:00pm on the Sirius Stage
What happens when traditional Yiddish song is married with 80s power pop and hard rock? Ashkenaz audiences will discover the answer with the Canadian debut of NYC’s strangest and most exciting new Jewish music act, Yiddish Princess. Combining the soaring vocals of Sarah Gordon with the irreverent arrangements of klez-clarinet-killer turned synth-mad-man Michael Winograd, Yiddish Princess is completed by a double guitar onslaught and arena rock drum/bass rhythm section. This bizarre yet compelling re-imagination of Yiddish music rocks out without leaving the shlock out. Featuring Sarah Gordon (vocals), Mike Winograd (keyboard), Avi Fox-Rosen (guitar), Chris Berry (drums), Ari Fulman-Cohen (bass) and Yoshie Fruchter (guitar).
In 2010, Yiddish Princess appeared in
Concert - Saturday, September 4th at 11:00pm in the Brigantine Room
Progressive Jewish fusion ensemble Zebrina is one of the freshest additions to Toronto’s Jewish music scene. Combining eastern melodies with western grooves, the group draws on reggae, latin and jazz in interpreting the original compositions of bandleader Jon Feldman. The ensemble features some of Toronto’s leading jazz and world music players, including keyboardist Jonathan Feldman, guitarist Joel Schwartz (The Outlanders), bassist Bret Higgins (Beyond the Pale), drummer Colin Kingsmore (Elizabeth Shepherd Trio), and percussionist Max Senitt (The Flying Bulgars). They will be joined by special guest Alex Kontorovich (clarinet/saxophone).
In 2010, Zebrina appeared in
Concert - Sunday, September 5th at 5:00pm on the Sirius Stage
