Jewish Music Festival

The mission of the Jewish Music Festival is to present music that celebrates the Jewish experience and explores what it means to be Jewish in a multicultural world. The Festival produces creative and entertaining programs, challenges stereotypes, and fosters engagement with the broader community year-round.

Give the Gift of Music for Chanukah! Mark Your Calendars for a Special Benefit Concert Supporting the 24th Jewish Music Festival Italya: An Intimate Evening of Italian Jewish Song Join us for an intimate evening of music from the two thousand year old Jewish community of Italy presented by Michael Alpert, klezmer revival pioneer and founding member of the internationally acclaimed group Brave Old World, Cantor Sharon Bernstein, known in Europe, Israel and the U.S. for her rare repertoire, and Francesco Spagnolo, PhD, the leading authority on Italian Jewish music. Saturday, January 10 Private home in the East Bay RSVP to Ellie Shapiro 510-848-0237, x126 $250 per person

“Hai, Nozanin” [“Hi, Beauty!”] Bukharan Jewish Folk Ensemble A riveting blend of Central Asian, Sephardic Jewish and Arab elements, Bukharan Jewish music reflects a community with roots in Central Asia going back to the seventh century BCE. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear the leading proponents of an ancient musical tradition saturated with unique rhythms and entrancing tone colors. Born in 1938 in Uzbekistan, and now based in Queens, NY, ensemble leader Cantor Izra Malakov is a descendent of a long line of rabbis. He has devoted his life to preserving Bukharan Jewish music, and recently published Musical Treasures of the Bukharan Jewish Community. Izra Malakov: singer, chazzan and director Ochil Ibragimov: rubab, violin David Davidov: tar Tamara Kataeva: sozanda, singer and dancer Osher Baraev: doira Rafael Nektalov: producer and musicologist Presented in association with Silk Road House Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:30pm JCC East Bay 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley $18 General, $15 Seniors, Students, JCC members

Thanks for a GREAT 23rd annual Jewish Music Festival!  Click here to learn more about what we’re planning next.

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