Mazltov!

The age-old art of Klezmer music is alive and well in the stunning sounds and enchanting rhythms of the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble.

The Chicago Klezmer Ensemble is known for its elegant and knowledgeable performance style, retaining the earthy, human and expressive qualities that give Klezmer music a direct contact with its listeners.

Klezmer music – Jewish instrumental music of Eastern Europe – possesses a unique and easily recognizable language that creates a balance between past and future.

Founded in 1984, the five-piece group has performed at festivals, concerts and private functions throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as with violinist Itzhak Perlman. With just strings and woodwinds, the ensemble keeps things simple, allowing listeners and dancers alike to focus on the complex and hypnotic melodies the band plays.

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Listen to Woody Guthrie's daughter, Nora, discuss her father's recently unearthed lyrics brought to life on a recent album by The Klezmatics.