Klezmer Tune Club at Manchester Jewish Museum

Manchester Jewish Museum gets it so right. For an institution centred around sharing and appreciating Jewish culture, they facilitate fun and interesting ways for us to get hands-on with the sharing and learning of recipes, literature, film, and now music. Join expert Klezmer musicians Daniel Mawson and Richard Fay for Klezmer Tune Club, a sharing of traditional and contemporary tunes from the Klezmer Canon.

free to attend however spaces are limited so be sure to book ahead and avoid missing out

Klezmer started in the middle ages, growing out of the Yiddish-speaking cultures of Eastern European Jewish Communities. The music can be lively and danceable with a raw sense of freedom, but also encompasses slower heartfelt storytelling songs that reach the other side of the emotional spectrum. And, as the style has travelled with different communities, it’s evolved and grown to become a recognised genre across the world.

In Manchester, we are privileged to have a strong tradition and community of players that passionately keep the traditional roots of Klezmer going, whilst making it accessible to modern listeners. Daniel and Richard both perform regularly, lead the University of Manchester Klezmer Ensemble and create Klezmer-based shows that bridge musical borders. Previously they’ve created hybrid performances of Klezmer and Irish folk music as well as Klezmer and classical traditions.

Each session of Klezmer Tune Club will cover totally different tunes. All instruments and abilities are welcome to the session and no previous knowledge or experience with Klezmer is required. It is free to attend, however, spaces are limited so be sure to book ahead and avoid missing out.

Check out Manchester Jewish Museum’s website to learn more about their activities. You can create your own music with their songwriting club, bake delicious traditional Jewish recipes in their cookery and baking lessons, or discuss literature and film in the popular Jewish Culture Club.