Klezmopolitan Fest, Paris, France, Oct 20-23
Event !
Klezmopolitan is the first French festival of popular music to explore the wide repertoire of Jewish music : Klezmer, Yiddish songs, Judeo-Arab songs and Ladino.An event imagined as a cosmopolitan journey whose destination changes every night to reflect the exceptional vitality of today's Jewish music. Imagine, a rising star of the Electro stage teasing out samples of lively Klezmer melodies. Two faves from the New York indie stage leaving their rock n' roll world to revisit, with velvet voice and sweet guitar, the gems of the Ladino repertoire. Or even, the vocals of a Yiddish Diva flirting with a pop trio, over a background hinting of tango.
Cosmopolitism
Lasting four days, the festival will wander through the plains of Eastern Europe, but will visit many other lands as well.
Stemming from the word Klezmer: klev-zemer which means instrument of the song and so, Klezmopolitan will take a more universal path, beating to the rhythm of all Jewish music.
True to the nomadic traditions of this music, the festival celebrates the cross-fertilization which has borne the fruit of modern Jewish music. From New York hip hop to experimental Cracow (check english spelling) klezmer, from Crazy Years Yiddish tango to an imaginary journey in Judeo-Spanish lands, Klezmopolitan will span many styles. Also brought to light will be the happy centuries-old marriage in Oriental lands, as exemplified by the Middle East Peace Orchestra, a project of dialogue between Jewish and Arabic music.
A creative rendez-vous
Klezmopolitan is, above all, the gathering of a vibrant music scene which is seeing renewed relevance and exploding creativity.. Most of the performances have never been heard in France, and some are productions commissioned by Klezmopolitan like the Freylekh Bal by Olaf Hund which will open the festivities. Many concerts will feature unexpected artistic match-ups which will surprise and delight the ear. Shows will be spiced with distinguished guests such as the Czech violinist Iva Bittova, who will appear with David Krakauer or the transatlantic collaboration between the American clarinetist Don Byron and the Polish group The Cracow Klezmer Band.
A festival, a spirit
The Klezmatics, Don Byron, Iva Bittova, David Krakauer, Talila, Olaf Hund, Elysian Fields. so many international artists have happily supported the cause since the early days of planning. All are excited by the originality and scope of our project, the lure of a challenge, and, above all, the inclusive spirit which Klezmopolitan represents. For four days, trad lovers, world music fans the electro-rock curious and those taking a trip down memory lane will meet. Whatever one's musical background, exciting discoveries and enchanted evenings are in store.