In the early 20th century, Yiddish opera and art song defined much of the Yiddish theatre scene across Europe and the United States. Yet Yiddish operatic music has been slowly and devastatingly forgotten even by the Jewish communities it was created for; the sweeping destruction of the Holocaust and forced mass migration of Jewish refugees shattered much of the Jewish art music movement. This recital seeks to honour their memory and restore their sound.

The Yiddish Voice: An Introduction to Jewish Classical Music is an invitation into a world that dominated much of Jewish culture: the world of dramatic stage and song. Featuring Yiddish arias and art songs by Engel, Milner, and Goldfaden – who each in turn contributed immeasurable legacies to the music Jewish people still make and listen to today, unknowingly – these arias and art songs tell the story of the lives of Jewish audiences, singers, and culturemakers before the Holocaust. The great classical music written for us and by us is as much a part of our heritage as folk traditions; it is a heritage to enjoy and be proud of as the revival grows.

Soprano Noga Levy-Rapoport (Trinity Laban) and her accompanist present a programme of extraordinary works – some of which have never before been performed in the UK. They are joined by Christina Schuetz (Trinity Laban alum) on the violin, winner of the Mercer’s Arts Award for their upcoming lecture-recital series with Noga Levy-Rapoport on Jewish art music. Renowned Yiddish vocalist Isadora Pulman (Guildhall alum) collaborates with the curator in the second half of the recital to present rich insights into teaching and singing Yiddish music – some audience participation joyfully required…

The Yiddish Voice: An Introduction to Jewish Classical Music runs from 6.30pm-7.30pm at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the Charles Mackerras Room, Old Royal Naval College SE10 9JF, on Thursday 5th November 2026. All tickets are free with availability on the door, but capacity is limited so registering is advised to avoid disappointment!

Poster design by Abi Tucker.

This recital is presented in warm collaboration with Doikayt Collective’s Jewish AntiZionist Culture Week.

NB: Zhenya Sharogradskiy has sadly has to withdraw from this performance. Accompanying pianist for this recital to replace him will be the wonderful Yuri Inoshita!

Contact the host of The Yiddish Voice: An Introduction to Jewish Classical Music

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