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July 21, 2002

Michail Alexsandrowitsch z"l

We bring you a sad information: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has reported, that the great belcanto voice from Lithauania, Michail Alexsandrowitsch has gone silent. A. died at the age of 84 in Munich, where he lived since 1991. Born in 1917 in Riga, A. was one of the last students of Benjamino Gigli and became a khasn and was very popular in russia, although, the regime had made his life as a singer, who never covered his jewishness, very hard. Golda Meir and the UN finally helped him to go to Israel in 1972. From albert.leonhard@fliegerjacken.de>.

July 14, 2002

New: Yiddish Folk Dance Video


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"Two Yiddish Dances" -- Settings by Nathan Vizonsky, as taught by Miriam Rochlin. What dances go with Klezmer Music? After all, "Klezmer" IS dance music! This 48 minute video teaches a Freylekh and two variations of the Sher. It also looks at the life and circumstances that helped give Yiddish dance it's unique flavor and style. Narrated and produced Karen Goodman, the dances are taught by Miriam Rochlin who studied with Polish-born dancer/choreographer Nathan Vizonsky in the 1950s. Documentary/Instructional video:48 min $24.98. Available at: Hatikvah Music, (323) 655-7083.

July 13, 2002

Klezfest in St. Petersburg, Russian, Jul 20 - 23, 2002

The Center for Jewish Music of the Jewish Community Center of St. Petersburg is proud to announce "KlezFest in St. Petersburg 2002," an international seminar on the traditional music of Eastern European Jewry, to be held June 20-23, 2002 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Klezfest in St. Petersburg, Russian, Jul 20 - 23, 2002

The Center for Jewish Music of the Jewish Community Center of St. Petersburg is proud to announce "KlezFest in St. Petersburg 2002," an international seminar on the traditional music of Eastern European Jewry, to be held June 20-23, 2002 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

"KlezFest in St. Petersburg," now in its sixth year, is the oldest Klezmer seminar in Russia. The 2002 festival will include master-classes on Yiddish folk songs and Klezmer music, workshops on Yiddish folklore and Yiddish dance, lectures, concerts, and two excursions: "Jewish St. Petersburg" and "White Nights in St. Petersburg." As in previous years, our staff will include world-famous Yiddish musicians -- pianist and conductor Zalmen Mlotek and singer Adrienne Cooper, both from New York, and the brilliant Klezmer clarinetist from London, Merlin Shepherd. For the first time, Michael Alpert -- the world's leading expert on Yiddish dance, violinist, accordion player, vocalist, and ethnomusicologist -- will join the seminar's faculty.

"KlezFest in St. Petersburg," dedicated to bringing Klezmer music and Yiddish culture back to the lands of their birth, includes Jewish musicians from the vibrant centers of the Jewish renaissance across the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.

This year again we are pleased to announce a special program for lovers of Yiddish music and culture from other parts of the globe. We are asking for a contribution of $500 ($400 for those who speak either Russian or Yiddish). This sum will include food and lodging in St. Petersburg for 5 days and the entire seminar program, including interpreters when needed, concerts and the two excursions. Participants will pay their own transportation to St. Petersburg.

For more information, please contact the Jewish Community Center of St. Petersburg via fax at (+7-812) 314-5117, or e-mail frenk@lea.spb.su.

For advice on travel and visa arrangements, contact our American sponsor, the Jewish Community Development Fund in Russia and Ukraine, a project of the American Jewish World Service (New York), via telephone: (+1-212) 273-1620 or 273-1642, or e-mail: jcdf@ajws.org.

Join us at "KlezFest in St. Petersburg" this summer! It is a unique opportunity for you to enjoy wonderful Yiddish melodies and the fantastic White Nights, a time you will never forget.

Ashkenaz Fest, Aug 31 - Sep 2, Toronto, ON, CANADA

The Ashkenaz festival dates are August 31st to Sept 02nd at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto. Some of the featured performers are: Di Naye Kapelye Sat 10:00pm, Klezmer Buenos Aires Sat 9:30pm and Monday @ 5:00pm; The Cracow Klezmer Band Monday @ 2:00pm; PLUS: Frank London's Brass Band, Khevrisa, Flying Bulgars, Hebrew Artist Zoe B. Zak, Judith Cohen. There is a ton more. For further info: www.ashkenazfestival.com.