THE NEW KLEZMER QUINTET TO PERFORM
GALA FUNDRAISER AT MISHKAN TORAH

The New Klezmer Quintet will be performing a gala Fundraiser at Mishkan Torah Synagogue on Saturday night, October 22, 2011 at 7:30 PM. The band last appeared at Mishkan Torah before an enthusiastic and sold-out house in spring 2007 where it raised the money to repair the Synagogue’s roof.

The band has several ties to Mishkan Torah. The founding member of the Klezmer Quintet is drummer Brian Choper, the son of long-time Mishkan Torah members Jordan and Eva Choper. Additionally, fabled violinist Alan Oresky, from the renowned Fabrangen Fiddlers, (the brother of Mishkan Torah member Saul Oresky), has recently joined this group and will be performing with the band. Another famed musician, Bruce Middle from the band “Fleetwood Mac” will be playing with the band as well and will be performing some special works with the group.

Klezmer music developed in Eastern Europe as the joyous and infectious music of the street, played most often at weddings and other major celebrations, much as is the music of New Orleans. The New Klezmer Quintet utilizes the vocabulary of traditional klezmer and fuses it with disparate styles including blue grass, middle eastern, jazz, and even classic rock to meld its own unique style. You may hear samples of this band’s music.

The New Klezmer Quintet with its unique klezmer fusion sound has more than made its mark on the musical scene. The band played for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. It has performed for notables including Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and President of Russia Dimitry Medvedev. The band has additionally played at the John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and has been featured on National Public Radio.

The band has recorded several albums including a live disc entitled “The New Klezmer Quintet-Unexpected Joy” which includes an energetic mix of klezmer, Ladino, swing, and jazz. Tracks from the album have been placed on rotation on many radio stations and have been simulcast on National Public Radio. See this album.

Each performance of the New Klezmer Quintet is a separate experience from previous, the music tailored to the occasion of the show. The gala concert at Mishkan Torah on October 22 will be no exception. This concert will include new compositions written by the band, some of which will include rock and middle eastern influences.

You will not want to miss what should be a one of a kind gala occasion. Tickets are on sale at a price of $23 per ticket if purchased in advance, and $25 in the unlikely event any seats will be available at the door. You will want to order your tickets in advance for what will likely be a complete sell-out. Tickets may be ordered directly from Mishkan Torah, 10 Ridge Road, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 or online at the Mishkan Torah Synagogue website. We hope to see you at what is sure to be a marvelous, unique, musical evening, fusing modernity with beloved tradition!