THE SOUL OF JEWISH MUSIC: Perlman/Helfgot/Netsky

THE SOUL OF JEWISH MUSIC: Perlman/Helfgot/Netsky
Premiering March 30 th, 2011 at Saban Theatre in LA
Beverly Hills, CA and New York, NY — 17 March 2011
– In an historic concert event in celebration of the universal appeal of Jewish music, virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman and world-renowned Cantor Yitzchok Meir Helfgot are joining forces with acclaimed Klezmer revivalist Hankus Netsky and a Klezmer ensemble on March 30th, in Los Angeles, at the Saban Theatre. Titled “The Soul of Jewish Music,” the show is a dream of Perlman, who was moved the first time he heard Cantor Helfgot and  decided that his once-in-a-generation voice deserved a wider audience. Under the musical direction of Netsky, Perlman and Helfgot will be joined by a Klezmer band and a full orchestra.
As Perlman said when the artists were rehearsing this week, “This project allows us all to celebrate the soul and joy of Jewish music, bringing to life some of the most magical melodies and richest traditions. Even better is that we are premiering it in Los Angeles,” he said, “allowing the city that prides itself on being so innovative to return many of us to our Eastern European roots.” In typical Perlman style, he added, “It is an historic project, and it excites me to my kishkas!”
At that same rehearsal, Cantor Helfgot talked about what a change this is for him. “Cantorial music is in my soul, but I ʼm even more excited to be able to broaden  my musical horizons and to share the stage with Itzhak and with such remarkable musicians, as we come together to unite so many different worlds.” Netsky, whose passion has been in reinvigorating the Klezmer culture, said, “This project is a dream come true, allowing us to  celebrate the music that was second nature to our parents and grandparents, and to remind all of us of the power of music to get us out of our seats and to dance in the aisles.” LA’s premiere of “The Soul of Jewish Music” will be the inaugural performance of a show expected to travel throughout North America and across the globe, beginning later this Fall.
In the meantime, Perlman and Helfgot will be going in to the studio this Spring to make their first album together. It also will be Perlman’s first recording of Jewish inspired
music since 1996.
Proceeds from the LA performance will benefit Bet Tzedek’s Holocaust Survivors Justice Network. The show is being produced by Media Eagles and IMG Artists.

[Photos by Shimon Gifter]