JEWISH MUSIC HERITAGE TRUST IN ASSOCIATION WITH BNAI BRITH AND CARMEL ARTS

A Celebration of Eastern European Je~ish Culture on the South Bank, Sunday 23 November 1997

2.15pm Pure II Hoom

JEWISH AND GYPSY MUSIC Alcxundra Valavclsky and (lie Bashuva BUild

5.00pf11 Qnct'n Elizah,th Hall

ROTHSCHILD'S VIOLIN: OPERA (UK Premiere) .!crem), White, bariton with TlltUlH:sidc Op 'fa alld B rkshirr County Youth O1'c11c tra, conducted by Georg Baduc on. i fia cd 011 a Chckhov story, thio opcnJti(' gem, written by Belljamin Fleishman, completed by Dmilri hostukovich, evokes

tll now vanished atmosphere of the htctl, with IllU. ie d ply 1'0 t .cl in Ru ian and Jewi h melody.

8.00 pm Purcell Room

MUSIC FOR VIOLIN, CELLO AND PIANO Archduke Pinllo Trio: Vnllois. ho takov:ich ami Korngold.

8.00 pm Queen E.liznbtlJ 11all

MOSCOW NIGHTS: KLEZMER SPECTACULAR

Come on unday 23 November 1997, to hear four concens featuring the folk and KJezmer music of the Jewish towns and villages of Eastern Europe, chamber music from Poland and Russia and the first performance in this country of the chamber opera Rothschild's Violin. In the foyer, concert-goers can enjoy delicious food and look at the exhibition From Eastern Europe to the East End mount­ed by The Jewish Museum, London. There will be the opportunity to meet the five prize-winning artists from Hungary, Latvia and Poland in London to collect their awards in the Bnai Brith Am2000 competition for Jewish visual artists from Ea.~tern Europe.

The coming-togerher of such a diverse, yet related collection of ani t , is a rare opportunity

Crcgori 'chcclttcr's Klczmer Fe tival Band

Alexandra Valavelsky and the Bashava Band: 2.15 in the Pureell Room. L-R: Edward Hession, Alexandra Valavelsky. Simon Russell. Sharon Lindo, George Weigland

and promises to be a day not­to-be-missed. Tickets can be booked at the South Bank box office on 0171 960 4242.

South Bank Debut of Alexandra Valavelsky and the Bashava Band Witness the South Bank debut of thi exciting new

band, which has performed to great acclaim at festivals and concerts since its formation twO years ago. Today's pro­gramme of Jewish and Gypsy music includes favourite Yiddish, Romanian and Russian songs as well as some Viennese operetta sung by the charming soprano, Alexandra

Valavelsky, who is of Russian­Romanian origin and who has lived in Germany, Israel and America, before setrling in Britain. The band play authentic eastern European and Gypsy insrrumenrs: vio­lin. accordion. balalaika and oud and feature one of the few cimbaloms in this coun­try, built by the musician, George Weigland himsel£ They will also perform both traditional and composed Polish and Hungarian instru­mental pieces. The concert starts at 2.15pm in the Purcell Room.

Rothschild's Violin: Opera Premiere At last Britain can see Rothschild's Violin, an opera in one act by Benjamin Fleishman, who died fighting outside Leningrad in1941, leaving this operatic gem continued on page 2

TiI'kels: £6.))0-£ 16.50, dis('OIlJljR fol' concessious, "1'OUp- and mulji-bookino- . 80 ' Office 0171 960 4242

A Celebration of Eastern European Jewish Culture

~~ The Archduke Trio: 8.00 in the Purcell Room. L-R : Charles Wiffin, Liam Abramson, Nathaniel Vallois

unfinished. His admirer and teacher Dmitri Shostakovitch completed the orchestration of this work as a memorial not only to the composer, but also to the lost world of Eastern European Jewry. Shostakovitch says 'It's a mar­vellous opera-sensitive and sad. There are no cheap effects in it, it is wise and very Chekhovian.' Fleishman's musical style is notable for its strong melodic sense, combin­ing the Russian tradition with Jewish folk themes. After many attempts, Shosrakovitch managed to mount a broad­cast by a group of soloists from the Moscow Philharmonic in 1962. It was not until 1968 that the piece was given a stage premiere in Leningrad, conducted by Maxim Shostakovitch. It was banned the next day, in order to prevent it being used as 'Zionist' propaganda. Well intO the era of Glasnost, in

1995 a recording was made in Holland with the Rotterdam Philharmonic conducted by Rozhdestvensky. This project was also recorded on a film documentary. In tOday's per­formance (the first outside Russia) the acclaimed bari­

tone, Jeremy 'hite, with well-known soloists LyntOn

Atkinson (tenor) and Jennifer Higgins (mezw-soprano)-all of whom have appeared at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden-perform with Thameside Opera and the full forces of nearly 100 players of the BYMT Berkshire Youth Orchestra, conducted by George Badacsonyi. In the first half of the programme the Berkshire Youth Music Trust Wind Orchestra (50 players) and Corelli String orchestra (40 players) as well as the Youth orchestra will play works by Percy Grainger, Shostakovitch and others. (5.00pm, Queen Elizabeth

Hall)

Polish and Russian Chamber Music At 8.00pm in the Purcell Room the Archduke Trio will

perform piano trios by Alexander Tansman, Shostakovitch and Korngold in the Purcell Room. Tansman was born in Lodz, Poland and studied at the Lodz and Warsaw

ConservatOries. In 1919 he entered [Wo compositions for the Polish National Prize, and won both first and second prizes. J t was in 1920 in a concert in Paris that his music received wider attention. He

setded there and worked as a composer, teacher and con­ductOr, travelling widely to

conduct and perform his own works. From 1941 to 1946 he lived in the USA where he wrote a number of film scores. Returning to France after the war, he wrote a biography of Stravinsky' with whom he had developed a close relationship in America. Tansman's wide range of compositions from symphonies and concertos to

chamber music and songs includes French and Jewish elements as well as Jazz. All his music is full of nostalgic remembrance for his native Poland. The enterprising new London based trio of French­born Nathaniel VaIJois, violin, Liam Abramson, South African-born cellist and Cha rles Wiffin, pianist, who

was born in the UK present a

rare opportunity to hear Tansman's work.

Gregori Schechter's Klezmer Festival Band in Klezmer Spectacular Klezmer addicts shou ld head for Queen Elizabeth Hall ar 8.00pm to join Gregori Schechter's KJezmer Fe tival Band. This, the first and only authentic Klezmer band to be set up in the UK made its outstanding debut at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1991. They were an instant success. Shortly afterwards, they appeared on BBC Radio 4's arts programme Kaleidoscope and tOok a star­ring role in a BBC television documentary on KJczmer. Feature articles have been written about them in the

Daily TeLegraph and Folk Roots magazine. 'Klezmer' comes from [Wo Hebrew words, meaning'ves el of song', in other words 'musician'. 'Klezmorim' (plural) was the term used for the bands of

itinerant Jewish musicians who played for dances and weddings both Jewish and non Jewish, all over Eastern Europe.

Tonight Gregori Schechter's KJezmer Festival Band will offer a Klezmer Spectacrtlar cal led Moscow Nights. Gregori who comes from Russia and has Klezmer in his veins, is the most charismatic of band leaders and a wizard on his instrument, the clarinet. They will perform new and favourite exhi larating rhythms from all over the area. Klezmer Festival Band's third CD, a live recording of a pre­vious sell-out concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, is now avai lable from Jewish Music Heritage Recordings and from good record shops.

Jewish Youth Choir Does your child love to sing? At last there is a really important youth choir in London specialis­ing in Jewish repertoire. Set up in 1996, the Jewish Heritage Youth Choir has already performed at the Redbridge Festival, the Anne Frank Exhibition and in the profoundly moving oratorio, Vanished Voices at the Barbican Concert Hall. The enthusiasm and beautiful voices of the girls and boys have won admi­ration and friends wherev­er they have been. Choir director, Vivienne Bellos, is delighted with their progress. She would be glad to welcome a few more children between the ages of eight and fourteen to the choir. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in Golders Green. For details please telephone Vivienne Bellos on 0181 883 1773 or mobile 0956 912567.

A Cclcbration of Eastern European Jewish Culture SlllHfa~ 2:1 :\UH'llIhl'" Hmi nn lilt' SOllilt Hank :1

Jewish Music Heritage Recordings: Documents of a Tradition

Bloch performs Bloch (Historic recordings)

Jewish Music Heritage Recordings, the new label from the Jewish Music Heritage Trust, is building a catalogue of important record­ings from the diversiry of Jewish musical heritage: Ea tern and Western, vintage and modern, folk and art, widely known and more obscure. Releases are accom­panied by booklets with back­ground information, illustra­tions and nOtes ro appeal re both the newcomer to Jewish music and re the more expert.

The first four Ds and cas­settes have been released this Autumn. Two of them feature the best of nineteenth century synagogue mu ic from the

erman Liberal tradition. The music of the great cantor Salomon ulzel' and his milieu is contai ned in Viennese Synagogue Music in the Age of Schubert and is performed by London's lead ing Jewish mixed choir, The Zemel

hoir under Malcolm Singer with canrer oloists, Brian Kesselman, Lawrence Fine and Roberr Brody. Lawrence Fine appears again with hi own ynagogue hoir in High Holyday Music o/the Beisize Square Synagogue, chorus ma ter, Ronald Rappaporr.

The long awaited B10ch recording Bloch performs Bloch include all the studio record-

Gregori Schechter's Klezmer Festival Band Live on the South Bank.

ings Bloch ever made. The dynamic cellist Zara Nelsova performs Schelomo with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sacred Service features the renowned baritone Aron Marko Rothmuller, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, both conducted by

Viennese Synagogue Music in the Age of Schubert

Ernest Bloch himself, original­ly recorded in London in 1949. Zara Nelsova is also accompanied by Bloch on the piano in From Jewish Life­Three Sketches.

The fourth recording features the electrifying concert of Gregori Schechter's KLezmer

Gregori Schechter: 8.00 in the Queen Elizabeth Hall

High Holyday Music of the Belsize Square Synagogue

Festival Band, Live on the South Bank. Witness the rhythmic drive and lyrical poignancy captured on this live Klezmer performance.

The CDs retail at £13.45. Cassettes are also available at £7.99. Please use the order form on page 4.

Exclusive Trip to Vienna for Friends of the Jewish Music Heritage Trust Spring 1998 Visits include: The Jewish Museum, City Temple, Judenplatz, Schonbrun Palace, Hundertwasser Gallery, Belvedere Art Gallery, Vienna State Opera Price: £450 per person, includes flight and transfer to hotel, 3 nights bed and breakfast at Hotel Wandl, coach tours and entrance to museums. If you would like to join this trip, please telephone 0181 909 2445 for more details and to reserve your place. Places are limited, but we are also subject to a minimum of 25 partici­pants_ Please let us know if you are interested in joining this exciting trip_

Please see page 4 for more information about the Friends of the Jewish Music Heritage Trust. Reply using the order form.

A Celebration of Eastern European Jewish Culture

Frienlls of the JMHT special offers Friends of the Jewish Music Heritage Trust Becoming a Friend of the Jewish Music Heritage Trust is the best way of staying in touch with Jewish music. The Trust represents all aspects of Jewish music from the great cantori­al tradition to the symphony concert, from Klezmer to Ladino, from New York to Tel Aviv. Friends receive an informative newsletter about Jewish music in the UK, advance informa­tion, priority booking and special discounts on some tickets plus special offers on other items. Use this form to enrol as a Friend or renew your membership and your name will be included in a draw for two free tickets to a Philharmonia Orchestra concert in 1998.

Friends enrolment/renewal for 1998 I am already a Friend (membership no.): Please renew my membership for 1998

Please enrol me as a Friend of the Jewish Music Heritage Trust I enclose my Friends membership subscription: UK (minimum annual donation) £15.00

Overseas (minimum annual donation) £20.00

Vienna Trip I am interested in joining the Vienna Trip next Spring: please send me more details

Books. cassettes and COs The Mendelssohns on Honeymoon @ £29.99 (Friends price) The Mendelssohns on Honeymoon @ £35 (ordinary price)

DONATION:

DONATION:

Proceedings of the First International Conference @ £21 (Friends price) Proceedings of the First International Conference @ £22.50 (ordinary price) Bloch performs Bloch on CD @ £13-45

Bloch performs Bloch on cassette @ £7.99

Viennese Synagogue music in the Age of Schubert on CD @ £13-45

Viennese Synagogue music in the Age of Schubert on cassette @ £7.99

Gregori Schechter's Klezmer Festival Band: Live on CD @ £13.45

Gregori Schechter's Klezmer Festival Band: Live on cassette @ £7 .99

Gregori Schechter's KFB: Echoes of the Stetl on CD @ £13-45

Gregori Schechter's KFB: Echoes of the Stetl on cassette @ £7.99

High Holyday Music of the Belsize Square Synagogue on CD @ £13-45

High Holyday Music of the Belsize Square Synagogue on cassette @ £7.99

Postage and packing Friends price: free Ordinary price: ft.50 for up to 5 items, 50P per item thereafter

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HONORARY PRE~II)ENT

Lord Menuhin OM KRF

DIRECTOR

Geraldine Aucrbach

PATRONS

Larry Adler Erncsr and Valerie Bello Dvora Ben David CII/lllrn! IIltncht, Isra~!i Embassy Doris and Bertie Black StJnlcy Black OBE

Alan Cohen II' Roberr Davis His lion Israel Finesrein QC

Bernard Garbacz E. Michael Garston Rabbi DJvid Goldbcrg ).lcqlldine Gryn Lilian IloLhhallser FRCM

Viclor Hochhallser C1lE

Frnanllei Hurwirz RI'

L1dy Ameiic JakobovilS l.ord Janner QC

D.lVid and 'Ianya Josefowil7. Wilfred Joserhs Sir Sl.lnley and Lady Kalms Dr Herben Kre[7m~r Rabbi Or Abraham Levy Sir Sydney Olnd r.,dy l.ipworrh Clive M. Marks Srik~ Milligan CIlE

Chief Rabbi Dr Jonalhan Sa~ks Seymour Saidcm.tn Nllliotlll/ Pwitimr, Bnlli Brit" Sir Sigmund Sternberg ~)Sll J.;CSG

Fldrcd Tab.lChnik QC Pmidrnl, Bomd of D,plllirs of British jtll's Micll3c1 Tilson Thomas rr.lIlkie Vaughan OOh OL

Malcolm WilliarnsOIl c:ur. AO

Mastrr oftlg Quun's Mwir

CONSULTANTS

Vivienne Bellos Prof DJvid Bloch 7a Aviv Sydney Fixrnan Rev Simon I lass Alexander Knapp Dr Neil W. Levin Neu' Yt.>rk Malcolm inger David Sonin Victor runkel Rev Reubcn Turner

'I RlJSTEPS

Sylvia I.ewin, ,haim/lln Judy Obran, Sf<'Tflllry Judith Unikower, tr(tlSllrt'r "rof l.udwik Finkdstcin OBE nng Jennifcr Jankd Prof M.,lcolm Trou!' Rev Malcolm Weism.lo 08~ Beryl and lleini Wohl