Internationally acclaimed soprano Juliana Janes-Yaffé and her ensemble of musicians launch a unique new programme of the most important and popular Yiddish folk songs ever written — performed in the brilliant ‘rediscovered’ musical arrangements by eminent conductor-arranger Robert De Cormier. These arrangements were originally crafted for the early LP recordings of Marthe Schlamme and Netania Davrath, but never performed live. They have now been given exclusively to Juliana for her performances.
With her new programme, Juliana breathes fresh life into these wonderful songs, performing them with a voice that has been described by the press as “rich, sublime, strong, tremendously expressive, and always interpretively fitting.” They constitute a new body of vocal literature available, for the first time, to performers worldwide.
In addition, she enhances her performances with engaging stories about each song, bringing music lovers closer to the culture and history of this colorful Yiddish repertoire.
Concert
Full-length Concert or Short Concert Performance (45-60 minutes). Performances can be with instrumental ensemble, piano accompaniment alone, or with accompaniment of piano and violin.
Master Class
Singers/voice students would prepare songs from Juliana’s Yiddish repertoire, then receive coaching from her in a public master class.
Lecture-Recital
– For concert series, general audiences, young and old
– For Jewish institutions and synagogues
– For universities and conservatoires (as a special presentation in the area of General Music, World Music, Ethnomusicology, Folk Music, World Arts and Cultures, Linguistics, Yiddish Language and Culture, Jewish Studies, Ethnic Studies, etc.)
Testimonials
“The Yiddish Song Project should be fascinating for anyone interested in the rediscovery of beautiful, historically significant music. More than that, though, the artists put it across with such flair, commitment and obvious affection, that audiences cannot fail to go away inspired.
Prof. David Fanning
Eminent Musicologist and Author
University of Manchester
“Their highly professional presentation was both entertaining and enlightening, and the standard of musicianship inspiring. Their commitment and dedication to this field of research is obvious and infectious, and after the event, students were buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm…”
Dr. Christopher Foster
Course Leader (Music)
School of Performing Arts
University of Wolverhampton
"This was a delightful evening and very much appreciated by our audience — by staff, students, and general public alike. It's rare to be treated to a programme of entirely unfamiliar music, and a delight to find that music so totally engaging. The range of emotions represented in the songs was excellently conveyed by Juliana, and she kept the audience spellbound. John Yaffé’s introductions were pitched exactly right — helpful, informative, and easy to follow. The evening was one to remember, and I am so glad we were able to host the event at York. We look forward to their next project!"
Roger Marsh
Professor of Music
University of York
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The Yiddish Folksong Project
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