Klezfest in Ukraine, Aug 21-25, 2005
Come Celebrate the Rebirth of Klezmer Music in the Former
Soviet Union at the 6th Annual KlezFest, Ukraine!
August 21-25, 2005
Kiev, Ukraine
Musicians and non-musicians alike are invited to join several dozen extremely talented musicians from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Estonia as they explore the folk music of their ancestors.
The program includes:
- Music classes in Yiddish song, klezmer instrumental style, and new Jewish composition.
- Yiddish classes at levels from Beginner through Advanced.
- Nightly klezmer jam sessions with singing and dancing, as well as mini concerts during the day.
- The Gala Concert featuring exclusively KlezFest participants.
- Mini-forum discussions with KlezFest participants about music and life, particularly Jewish life, in the former Soviet Union.
- An excursion to explore the Jewish sites of Kiev.
- Optional excursions to other sites of Jewish interest in Ukraine.
- Translators for non-Russian speakers.
Teachers include:
- Founder and director of the ensemble Budowitz Joshua Horowitz (USA)
- Klezmatics founding singer Lorin Sklamberg (USA)
- Pianist and new Jewish music composer Marilyn Lerner (Canada)
- Klezmer clarinetist Merlin Shepherd (UK)
- Klezfest "alumni" Yiddish singer, composer and choral leader Polina Achkinazi-Shepherd (UK-Russia)
Klezfest in Ukraine is devoted to the study of traditional Ashkenazi music and its modern interpretation in both composition and performance. It is a production of the Center of Jewish Education in Ukraine, with the support of the Jewish Community Development Fund in Russia and Ukraine (US) and UJA-Federation of New York (US).
The number of participants Klezfest can accommodate is limited. Westerners interested in attending KlezFest should email Festival Director E-mail Yana Yanover. as soon as possible for more information on applying. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2004.
Musicians may be asked to send an audio or video tape as well as photographs and information about themselves. Non-musicians should send an email letter of intent stating their interest in attending the festival as well as which aspects most appeal to them.
The fee of $500 for accepted applicants will cover housing, meals and training expenses. For Russian- and/or Yiddish-speakers, this fee is reduced to $400. Please contact the organizing committee for student rates or any additional information at:
The Center of Jewish Education in Ukraine
Kurska St., 6, room 37,
03049, Kiev, Ukraine
Tel: (380-44) 248-3670, 248-3634, 248-5377;
fax: (380-44) 248-3670, 248-5377
E-mail: The Center for Jewish Education in Ukraine
Travel and visas information:
Jewish Community Development Fund in Russia and Ukraine
c/o AJWS
45 W.36th Street, 10th floor NY, NY 10018
tel. 212-273-1642
E-mail: Jewish Community Development Fund in Russian and Ukraine