Exploring Music: Jewish Composers & Jewish Influences in Classical Music

Pianist and instructor Clint Edwards has created a series specifically for JCC communities! Dive into masterpieces by J. Strauss, Copland, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn.

• May 9: Johann Strauss II – the Waltz-King of Vienna: Exploring the life and works of the 19th century master of the waltz, the stories behind his greatest works, and the rich cultural scene of Vienna.
• May 16: Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring: Exploring one of Aaron Copland’s greatest ballet scores, the history behind the piece, and analysis of Copland’s remarkable compositional methods, in the creation of a 20th century masterpiece.
• May 23: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Holocaust – Symphony 13 “Babi Yar”: Though not jewish himself, Dmitri Shostakovich was profoundly impacted by the events of WWII and the Holocaust. As we analyze his monumental 13th symphony (“Babi Yar”), itself a commemoration of the atrocities committed upon Jews in the Soviet Ukraine, we will trace Shostakovich’s commemoration and empathy for the victims of these events.
• May 30: Felix Mendelssohn – The Italian Symphony: Exploring the creation of one of Mendelssohn’s greatest works – with musical analysis and biographical insights into his creative process.

This event is presented in partnership with Osher Marin JCC and will take place over Zoom.

Register here.