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Throughout the history of klezmer, young musicians learned songs from elder members of their family. Sadly, following the Holocaust much of the traditional repertoire was lost.

Klezmer band Klatsch

Jewish music revived

Today, klezmer is undergoing a renaissance as older musicians once again seek to pass their knowledge to a new generation, and the genre’s youngest fans seek to combine klezmer with contemporary music in fresh and exciting ways.

This wonderful world of traditional Jewish music will be gaining a new audience on Sunday 14 September 2008 during Birmingham’s annual free festival of the arts.

Klezmer taster sessions

Klezmer band Klatsch will be giving free performances in a taster session at Brindleyplace and on the Eclectic Music Stage based at the Arcadian Centre.

There will also be a klezmer dance workshop at the Crescent Theatre, where beginners are welcome.Μύ Klezmer’s development as the musical accompaniment to weddings and celebrations means that the traditional dance forms are simple enough for everyone to take part in.

New audience

Cllr Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture, said, "ArtsFest is the city’s best platform for so much art, from the traditional through to the edgy and new, and the klezmer events exemplify this. Birmingham City Council is delighted to be bringing klezmer to a new audience."

ArtsFest is a free public arts event in Birmingham on 12-14 September 2008.