Klezmer Music Festival

Klezmer Music has always been a traditional music outlet for Jews of Eastern Europe and the FSU countries. Although for many years non-existent in the FSU, Jewish Klezmer music has returned in full-force with the renewal of Jewish culture in Northern and Eastern Ukraine. Klezmer bands have sprouted up in virtually every Jewish community and many have published discs and won prestigious prizes. In order to celebrate and encourage the renewal of this long lasting tradition, the JDC sponsors a yearly Klezmer Festival in Northern and Eastern Ukraine.

This year the Eastern Ukraine Festival of Klezmer Music, took place in the Dnepropetrovsk Main Theater, on April 6th-7th.

Nine Klezmer Groups from Dneprodzerzhinsk, Lugansk, Artyomovsk, Pavlograd, Zaporozhye and Kramatorsk took part in the Festival. This year the Eastern Ukraine Klezmer Festival is hosting guest bands from Northern Ukraine, Kharkov and Onotop, and Klezmers from Kishinev.

Over 70 participants were expected to take part in the event. Many fans and family of each community came to support their local Klezmer musicians.

From past experience it has been found that after taking part in The Festival of Klezmer Music, adult Klezmer bands have begun to involve children in their activities. It is a great step in attracting all ages to the Jewish Communities. This year three children Klezmer groups are coming from Dneprodzerzhinsk, Lugansk and Pavlograd. Dneprodzerzhinsk’s childrens Klezmer band was created just last year. They are very excited to perform for their first time on stage at this year’s Festival.

For some participants, the festival has become a key to a successful career. Victoria Karpovich is a leading singer in the Dnepropetrovsk "Ot ozoi" Klezmer group. After taking part in the first Festival in 2000, she went to Moscow and won an award in The Michoels Second International Moscow Festival of Jewish Culture. Her band "Ot Ozoi" has also produced their first CD for sale now in the community.Victoria took an active part in organizing this year’s Festival. Victoria is not just assisting young Klezmer stars, but also inspires.