Smile Politely

Learn klezmer music from world-renown instructors during a workshop at Lewis Auditorium

3 separate photos of musicians. On the left is a male dressed in an orange shirt playing a violin, in the middle is a black and white photo of a female looking into the camera while holding a violin and on the right is a man holding a clarinet in a black shirt standing outdoors
Jake Shulman-Ment, Abigale Reisman, and Kurt Bjorling

This public workshop, part of the Violins of Hope music series, offers an engaging introduction to klezmer music, taught by acclaimed musicians Jake Shulman-Ment, Abigale Reisman, and Kurt Bjorling. Attendees, regardless of prior experience, will have the opportunity to learn firsthand from these professionals, as they share their knowledge and experiences in performing klezmer music globally. The instructors’ impressive backgrounds, ranging from Shulman-Ment’s Fulbright scholarship in Moldavia and Reisman’s diverse performance repertoire to Bjorling’s tenure with influential klezmer bands, promise a rich and enlightening workshop. The workshop is brought to you by Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation and Frances Harris, and takes place Wednesday, May 31st at 7 p.m., in Lewis Auditorium at the Urbana Free Library.

If you’d like to attend, please pop over to their Facebook event page and let them know you’re interested.

The Violins of Hope is an initiative centered on a series of concerts, featuring a unique collection of violins, violas, and cellos that have been amassed since World War II concluded. A significant number of these instruments bear poignant histories, having belonged to Jewish individuals before and during the war. Acquired from survivors, through family contributions, or emblazoned with the Star of David, each instrument carries a story that continues to resonate. The Violins of Hope music series is sponsored by Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation.

Klezmer Music Workshop with Jake, Abigale, and Kurt
Urbana Free Library, Lewis Auditorium
210 W. Green St.
Urbana
W May 31st, 7 p.m.
Free (Vist Facebook event page to indicate interest)

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