Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2016 10:16:44 -0400
From: William Chip Pate
Subject: Free “Fiddler Fall” concert, talk illuminate Jewish culture
JMArts News from the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Free public talk and concert at Jordan-Matthews considers “What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?”
SILER CITY, N.C. — Rabbi Rachel Brown and The Magnolia Klezmer Band will tackle the question, “What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?,” during a free public talk and concert on Nov. 1 at Jordan-Matthews High School.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. in the school media center, the event is sponsored by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, as part of “Fiddler Fall,” a free series leading to Jordan-Matthews’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof” next month.
“We’re thrilled to be performing this legendary Broadway musical and wanted to use the opportunity to help everyone learn more about a culture that’s part of who we all are,” says Rose Pate, president of the arts foundation and producer of the musical. “It’s a chance to learn more about the background for our fall musical. But even if you’re not coming to the show, it will be an interesting and fun evening for everyone.”
“What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?” begins with Rabbi Rachael Brown of Greensboro discussing the faith and what continues to define Jewish identity. She also will provide a brief background on the persecution of Russian Jews at the turn of the 20th century, including their migration to Europe and America — essential themes in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Rabbi Rachel Brown was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles and served for 10 years as the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Jacob in Phoenixville, Pa., before moving to Greensboro. She has worked extensively with young people throughout her career and the driving force of her rabbinate is making Jewish tradition more accessible.
After a brief intermission with refreshments, The Magnolia Klezmer Band takes center stage for a 40-minute concert of traditional Jewish music.
Based in the Research Triangle, The Magnolia Klezmer Band specializes in Eastern European Jewish music from a region that includes Russia, where “Fiddler on the Roof” is set. The band has been performing for more than two decades at venues ranging from bar mitzvahs and synagogues to clubs, university concert series and music festivals.
Band members scheduled to perform at Jordan-Matthews include Phil Blank on accordion and banjo, Jonathan Breitzer on violin, Ted Erhard on tuba and trombone, Dean Herrington on clarinet, and band leader Elliott Mills on drums and percussion.
JMArts is planning two other free public events this fall based on “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“Prelude to Fiddler: Chagall-Inspired Works by Art III/IV Students” is an exhibition by Jordan-Matthews artists featuring pieces inspired by Marc Chagall, a Russian-French artist whose paintings helped inspire the musical. The exhibition will be held Nov. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the school media center.
“Fiddler and the Refugee Experience” features the world premiere of a student-produced video relating what many local families have experienced to historical events depicted in “Fiddler on the Roof.” A red carpet celebration will be followed by the premiere — with comments by those contributing to the project — and a reception. The date for the premiere, which is part of Jordan-Matthews’ National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, will be announced.
“Fiddler Fall” events are the prelude to “Fiddler on the Roof” performances at Jordan-Matthews on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 19, at 4 p.m. Tickets for the musical are $5 each and now on sale online at jmhs.seatyourself.biz. More information about the production and other events held this fall are available online at jmarts.org.
contact
Rose Pate, president, JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation
919.742.2916