Ordinary Lives: The Merlin Shepherd Quartet

A special concert for Holocaust Memorial Day focuses on the theme Ordinary Lives, with a klezmer performance by The Merlin Shepherd Quartet together with readings in poetry and prose. 

The music of east European weddings and social occasions, klezmer was played for and by Yiddish-speaking Jews and formed a stepping stone between the worlds of the secular and the sacred. Much of klezmer music is made up of modes and melodies taken from prayer and is deeply emotionally charged.  

Klezmer music takes us to the heart of understanding the spiritual world of Eastern European Jews. The destruction of the Holocaust led to the loss of so much culture, musical material and so many players and singers. Tonight’s performance will remind us of the depth and power of the people and their music.   

A DARE presentation in association with the University of Leeds.