Viva Klezmer

VIVA KLEZMER ! has established itself as the foremost interpreter of Klezmer music in the Southeast. The ensemble consists of four instrumentalists; clarinetist, Gene Kavadlo; violinist, Ali Kavadlo; guitarist, Mike Mosley; and bassist, Ron Brendle. Together, they bring an impressive background to their Klezmer interpretations.

Since its founding in by Gene Kavadlo in 1984, VIVA KLEZMER ! has enjoyed an active concert schedule. They have appeared frequently at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where the Post Courier referred to the ensemble as “a Jewish musical treasure.” They have appeared in concert several times with the Charlotte Symphony, and, for the past 25 years, have been actively involved in using Klezmer music to teach young people lessons in appreciation for cultural diversity. In 1998 they were awarded the first annual Spencer Award for their “dedicated work to enhance the community of the arts” in Charlotte. Additionally, VIVA KLEZMER ! has been a favorite with college audiences.

Klezmer music has been described by some people as “Jewish jazz.” Although Klezmer music may contain some jazz elements, VIVA KLEZMER ! feels that style, inflection, and ornamentation are the key elements in Klezmer performance. The musicians’ varied backgrounds enable them to draw upon a variety of sources for repertoire. In addition to traditional Klezmer music, VIVA KLEZMER ! performs their own “klezmerized” versions of symphonic and American music. The ensemble can be heard on recordings available from their website: