2020-21 Free Virtual Public Programs

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This year, the Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is pleased to present the following five distinct series of free virtual Jewish music programs. Confirmed programs are listed below. Additional programs will be added throughout the year.

Descriptions for each program in a series will appear on The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music calendar as event dates approach.

We also offer individual programs which are not a part of a series, which you will see below. And, you may also discover a wide range of music program offerings on the school’s calendar.

The program year is made possible by the Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music with additional generous support from the David Vickter Foundation.

Jewish Music Masterclass
Jewish Music Masterclass

This series invites audiences to engage with some of the biggest names in Jewish music. Artists will discuss their work and share their inspiration by reflecting on their Jewish identity. Most programs will be offered through Zoom at 5 PM PT. The Edery and Kahn programs will be livestreamed at 9am PT due to the location of the artists who will join us from overseas. Both of those programs will be re-broadcast at 5pm PT on the same day. Current confirmed programs include:

Learn to Play
Learn to Play

These virtual workshops invite attendees to work with specialists to develop their musical techniques in diverse examples of heritage music including Klezmer and Yiddish music, Sephardi/Mizrahi music, and Ladino Music. All programs will be offered through Zoom. Current confirmed programs include:

  • Any Instrument Will Do: Klezmer Workshop featuring Lorry Black, Ph.D. | November 8, 2020 | 4-6 PM PT | November 9, 2020 | 5-7 PM PT
  • Fiddling and Yiddish Song Workshop after 30 minute concert featuring Craig Judelman and Sasha Lurje | February 14, 2021 | 11AM – 12:30 PM PT
  • Klezmer Workshop featuring Dan Blacksberg and Deborah Strauss | April 11, 2021 and April 18, 2021 | 1-3 PM PT
  • Unaccompanied Singing Workshop featuring Ethel Raim and Sarah Myerson | May 16, 2021 and May 23, 2021 | 1-3 PM PT

The events in this series are made possible through generous support from the David Vickter Foundation.

Chamber Music of American Jewish Experience
Chamber Music of American Jewish Experience

These three concerts explore the diverse range of Jewish music developed for solo and small ensembles. All programs will be offered through Zoom at 5 PM PT. Current confirmed programs include:

  • March 11, 2021 – UCLA Violin and Cello Ensemble
  • April 29, 2021 – Hollywood Trio
  • May 13, 2021 – UCLA Piano
  • Date TBD – UCLA Vocal Ensemble
Album Drop
Album Drop

This series features prominent American Jewish musicians discussing their newly released albums. Artists will discuss their new work in depth and, in some cases, the creative challenges they have faced while creating art in quarantine. All programs will be offered through Zoom at 5 PM PT. Current confirmed programs include:

Jewish Music Book Talks
Jewish Music Book Talks

Virtual talks by scholars examining their recently authored publications related to American Jewish Music. All programs will be offered through Zoom at 5 PM PT. Current confirmed programs include:

Individual Programs
Individual Programs

Throughout the year, new programs that are not part of the above series are being created, often in partnership with other organizations. Check the individual program listing in the calendar section for program details.

  • February 23, 2021, 5PM PT: “The Making of the Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof”
  • March 4, 2021, 5PM PT: “Remembering Theodore Bikel – The People’s Singer”
  • March 15, 2021: Celebrating RBG’s Birthday – The Gift of Her Favorite Operas