Is there another Klezmer Big Band in the UK? The idea was born in one
of the pub sessions when we realised that there was not just one clarinet player
but a whole clarinet section! So we put on a triumphant big concert with 30 musicians
at the end of the 2002-2003 season. It was such a success that we're doing it
again in 2004. 
The Band in 2003
The concert
took place in the evening of Sunday 21st November, 2004, at The Irish
Association Club in Chorlton, South Manchester - see map.
This was the second public performance of Steve Tekov's Klezmer Big Band. There
was the world premier of "Three Discourses", a piece written
by Ray Kohn for clarinet and violin - details at the bottom of this page.
Beyond the Pale performed; other bands and ensembles are to be confirmed. There
will be rehearsal in the afternoon for band members (see details
for musicians). If you want to play, please contact Steve on 0161-881 0505.
Download flyer here - MS Word
(29k). The Band
|
Guitars |
Accordions |
Bass | Tuba |
Banjo |
Poik | | Ian |
Paul | Doug |
Adrian | Sue |
Simon | Colin |
Pav | | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Viola |
Fiddles |
Piano |
Sax |
Bass Clar | |
Lindsay | Steve |
Di | Mike |
Lina | Helen |
Richard | Andrew |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Fiddles | Banjo |
Clarinets | |
Ray | Susanna |
Mike | Josie |
Gordon | Ralph |
Ruth | Liz |
| | |
| | |
Ros | Jo |
Sue |
Beyond
the Pale
 |
Beyond the Pale chose their name on the grounds that
(a) none of
us are Jewish,
(b) the old jokes are the best, and
(c) we might manage
to confuse a few Irish (to say nothing of dyslexic bucket-shop operators). Here's
a picture of us. Since it was taken, we've lost the taller of the two violinists,
so now we're down to 5:
Barbara Rast (violin)
Andrew Gardiner (C clarinet)
Colin Warwick (banjo)
Pav Verity (tsimbl and poyk)
Simon Carlyle (C tuba) |
| The beginnings of Klezmer may
well date back to medieval times but it probably developed its musical and cultural
identity during the nineteenth century, in the enforced Jewish “Reservation”
area known as the Pale of Settlement roughly where the Ukraine and Poland are
now sited. Beyond the Pale is an eclectic group (Scots, English and Swiss at the
last count). The name recalls the enforced displacement of Jewish culture, as
well as signalling the fact that we are all Goyim (non-Jews). We play as far as
possible in the old European style, using acoustic instruments, and recreating
the original spirit of the music. | Three
Discourses, by Ray KohnKlezmer
music describes, tracks and interprets one of our rites of passage - the wedding.
In the '3 discourses' the composer, Ray Kohn, speaks with the language of klezmer
about three other rites of passage. The first discourse is about youthful loss
of innocence: the second reflects upon the passage of middle age: the third on
death. The composer may appear to be consciously discoursing
about rites of passage, but at that fundamental level, he sees himself as a mere
intermediary: the discourse is between the music and the listener. Where he has
consciously developed the discourse is between two players: the clarinet and violin.
They move together through the work whilst developing soundscapes that demonstrate
their contrasting characters. He has also structured each
discourse as a suite of dances. The suites contain impassioned klezmer music together
with parodies of music that traditional klezmorim would be engaged to play by
non-Jewish employers: the contrast creating yet another discourse between clashing
yet co-existing cultures. The 3 discourses were commissioned
by Shta'im Lecha'im - the klezmer duo of Ros Hawley and Mike
Kahan - whose evolving sound world acted as an inspiration to the composer.
The commission was supported by the Performing Rights Society Foundation in 2004.
Your Questions answered...
You can also phone Steve on 0161-881 0505 or Sue on 01663 74662.
Where do I get tickets?
Tickets are £5 / £3. Phone Steve on 0161-881 0505.
Where is is the venue?
The Irish Association Club,
Cross Road (off High Lane) Chorlton, South Manchester - see
map.
What time is everything?
For the concert arrive at 19:00 to get a drink in and be comfy
for a 19:30 start. For the big
band, please arrive at 14:30 for the afternoon rehearsal.
Sunday, 21st November, 2004.
What is the venue like? It's
a large function room in the Irish Club. This year, there no large adjoining room
where we can put coats and cases. It's got a largish low stage and pub tables.
The bar is open throughout the evening.
Can I bring kids?
To be confirmed. I think so. Can
I bring friends? Yes please. You can download
a flyer here (MS Word).
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