The Wise Composers of Chelm: Musical Adaptations of the City of Fools

Within the memories of Ashkenazi Jewish folklore, written about by authors such as Y. L. Peretz, Leyb Kvitko, and Isaac Bashevis Singer, there is a town known as Chelm. It is known for its Council, a selection of the wisest members of the community who deliberate over all kinds of conundrums, be they spiritual or secular. However…the wisest members of a town of fools are not always going to have the same ideas about common sense as you or I might. Come join a class where we survey various musical adaptations of Chelm stories and enjoy a live reading of my own mini-chamber opera "The Buttered Bread of Chelm," accompanied on accordion.

Kevin Lubin (he/they) is a composer, instrumentalist, and silly goose from Chelm, New York and now living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They were somehow trusted with a master's degree from the Longy School of Music, which they received this past May. Some of their prized works include "Broccoli Tree: A Tree Shaped Like Broccoli," "Three Etudes for Boomwhacker(s)," and "Four Jewish Women Playing Mah Jongg," which Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun gave the glowing review "Ha! mah jongg opera." Other compositional highlights include composing only the most serious pieces of music for toy piano, kazoo, and squeaky pig toys. Kevin spends most of their day baking challah, watching the Real Housewives, and scheming up Lehrhaus classes to teach.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.