Tayere Fraynd, Dear Friends, Cher·e·s ami·e·s,
There is one program at KlezKanada’s annual Summer Retreat that brings everyone together – to be inspired, to learn, to celebrate, to dance – and that is our celebrated concert program. During this appeal season, we are asking you to help us fund the concert program at the 2025 Summer Retreat – our 30th anniversary!
Concerts have always formed a vital core of the KlezKanada experience, showcasing research and revival, intergenerational transmission, and a renaissance of new directions for Jewish music and art.
“KlezKanada is a rare and unique treasure, a jewel in the crown of Yiddish cultural organizations. The quality of the faculty is second to none, and for that reason its concert series is extraordinary.” Frank London
From the earliest years of outdoor faculty concerts (that could be VERY chilly), to featured gala performances, intimate daytime recitals, and costumed dance balls, the concert program has evolved over the past twenty-nine years. The first concerts were a showcase of our incredible teaching faculty, an inspiring counterpoint to the richness of the workshop program. Participants were soon treated to performances from world-class ensembles such as The Klezmer Conservatory Band, Brave Old World, the Klezmatics, The Other Europeans, and more. From Adrienne Cooper to Arkady Gendler to Theodore Bikel to Flory Jagoda, KlezKanada’s stage has been graced by so many legendary artists that it would be impossible to list them all.
“I always believed that my curatorial role was about balancing my own desires and those of the larger community – luckily for me, those desires usually coincided, making that part of the job not too difficult.” Michael Winograd
Dancing after every concert, with a faculty-led dance band, fostered a community culture of Yiddish dance. The first masquerade dance ball, introduced by Avia Moore in 2010, was met with such enthusiasm from the community that themed costume balls continued: a barn dance, a renaissance fair, a pajama party, a forest filled with woodland creatures….and many more. Frank London added a series of afternoon concerts in 2011, giving attendees more opportunities to experience the finest of Yiddish music. Through digital concerts during the COVID-10 lockdowns, Michael Winograd carried KlezKanada’s commitment to extraordinary programming into KlezKanada’s high-quality online offerings. Since returning to in-person programming, KlezKanada’s concert program has highlighted new composition and arrangements, cinematic journeys, theatrical performances, and a celebratory meeting of Yiddish and Quebecois culture.
And, across twenty-nine years, the culmination of every Summer Retreat has been our Participant Concert, where the participants of week-long workshops and ensembles have a chance to shine. It’s amazing what can get put together in just a few days!
“I remember so well Dr. Hy Goldman z”l and Sandy (tsu lange yorn!), always sitting in the front row, beaming with delight!” Jeff Warschauer
The concert program requires significant resources. In addition to artist fees and travel costs, our beloved summer camp venues do not come equipped with concert halls; instead, we have always brought concert halls – complete with a professional sound and lighting team, equipment and instrument rentals, and a stage manager – to summer camp!
During this appeal, we ask you to help us raise $30,000 towards the concert program – $1,000 for each year of this anniversary. Stewarded by each Artistic Director in turn, the artistic vision of KlezKanada has always been shaped by the passion, knowledge, artistry, and talent of the community. Each gift, no matter the size, will help carry this vision into next year and beyond. Biz hundert-tsvantsik.
Donations made before the end of the year will benefit from a tax receipt for 2024. Please click on the links below.
DONATE NOW (Canadian Donors)
DONATE NOW (U.S. Donors)
We all look forward to gathering with you at the 2025 Summer Retreat and seeing you at the concert program!
A hartsikn dank,
KlezKanada’s Artistic Directors, past and present
Jeff Warschauer, Michael Alpert, Frank London, Michael Winograd, and Avia Moore
