Klezmer Ensemble

Under the direction of Director of Music Performance and acclaimed clarinetist Joel Rubin, the Klezmer Ensemble focuses on the music of the klezmorim, the Jewish professional instrumentalists of Eastern Europe. The ensemble is made up of both undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and other members of the greater Charlottesville community, and is dedicated to exploring klezmer and other Jewish musical traditions from the 18th century to the present. Now in its third year, the UVA Klezmer Ensemble has rapidly become a vital part of the musical community of Central and Northern Virginia. Besides performing in Old Cabell Hall, recent appearances have included the College of William and Mary, Gravity Lounge, the 214 Community Arts Center (former Prism Coffeehouse), WeArts Festival (McGuffey Arts Center), New Bridges (Harrisonburg), Congregation Beth Israel, Chabad of UVA, and the Jewish Community Council (Lynchburg).

Klezmer was brought to North America by immigrants around the turn of the last century. Since the 1970s, a dynamic revival of this tradition has been taking place in America and beyond. Klezmer’s recent popularity has brought it far from its roots in medieval minstrelsy and Jewish ritual and into the sphere of mainstream culture. The Klezmer Ensemble at UVA performs at the end of each semester. Each semester the ensemble is coached by and plays together with a renowned guest artist. Recent guests have included the Kálmán Balogh/Ferenc Kovács Duo and Alicia Svigals, co-founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics.

FOR AUDITIONS

In this ensemble, we will begin by focusing on the klezmer traditions of New York and Philadelphia from ca. 1910-1950 as well as the klezmer and hasidic traditions of 18th-19th century Eastern Europe. Depending on the makeup of the group, we may explore various other genres of Jewish musical traditions, including Yiddish song (folk song, Yiddish theater, vaudeville).

This music was passed on orally from generation to generation, and many of the ornaments which are so integral to the klezmer sound can only be approximated by Western staff notation – not to mention the patterns of improvised variation which are the cornerstone of the style. There will therefore be an emphasis on learning by ear as much as possible. Sheet music with basic melodies and harmonies for each piece will be provided.

The following instruments are sought: violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion (drum set, xylophone), piano, and accordion, although others will also be considered. Restricted to instructor permission by audition. Please contact Dr. Rubin with any questions: