The UCLA American Jewish Music Festival showcased a fascinating exploration of diverse musical styles of the American Jewish experience. From classical to klezmer, tango to Middle Eastern, bluegrass to Broadway – audiences heard how Jewish music and culture have interacted with and been influenced by other cultures and music.

New music was premiered at the festival. During this performance, UCLA Faculty member Inna Faliks played a new composition, called 'Voices', commissioned by the Lowell Milken Center from the composer, Ljova.

The culminating performance featured UCLA Philharmonia, UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers under the baton of UCLA Professor and Director of Choral Studies, James Bass. The concert highlighted works by some of Los Angeles' most famous and influential Jewish composers. The final work of the concert was Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1 in D Major.

Enjoy more of the Philharmonia's performance.

As a result of a partnership with UCLA's School of Theater, Film & Television, a program called 'A Place for Us: The Influence of Jewish Culture & Composers on Broadway' was offered. It explored the impact of Jewish composers on Broadway, and featured UCLA's own talented students. The song performed here as the program's finale comes from 'Spamalot'.

In a thoroughly boundary- crossing concert, Nefesh Mountain performed music found at the intersection where Bluegrass, Old-Time, and American Root music meets Jewish heritage and tradition.

'Voices' was not the first composition written by Ljova for Inna Faliks. As two emigres from the former Soviet Union, both involved in the world of classical music, their paths crossed years ago, giving them the opportunity to work together. Here is Inna with her family and Ljova (R).

Combining music of ancient with modern, classical with folk, this concert featured musicians from Argentina, Egypt, Iran, and the U.S.