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Klezmer Music Ensemble
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Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream from Harkness Chapel
Program
Jewish Cimbalom Players
The Repertoire of Moskowitz, Guzikow, Lepianski, Feldman, and Rushefsky
This program showcases our arrangements of repertoire drawn from the recorded legacy of Joseph Moskowitz (pictured), the Lepianski family, and a rare transcription of a Jewish liturgical melody attributed to Josef Guzikow. The concert also features modern klezmer compositions written in traditional style by contemporary tsimbl masters Walter Zev Feldman and Pete Rushefsky.
The Jewish hammered dulcimer—known as the tsimbl—played a central role in traditional East European klezmer ensembles. Its history is rich with charismatic personalities and legendary performers whose influence shaped Jewish instrumental music for generations.
Among them was Joseph Moskowitz (1879–1954), a renowned recording artist celebrated for his expansive international repertoire, both as a soloist and alongside the Alexander Olshanetsky Orchestra. The Lepianski family of cimbalom players from Vitebsk, Belarus—led by Yosef Lepianski (1873–?)—performed for audiences ranging from Tsarist Russia to the early Soviet Union; their rare recordings remain extraordinary examples of Hasidic and Jewish folk traditions. The virtuosic Josef Guzikow, active in the early 19th century, amazed European classical audiences with his unique shtroy fidl, establishing a lasting legacy.
The tradition continues today through leading artists such as Walter Zev Feldman, a distinguished scholar, performer, and influential figure in Yiddish dance, and Pete Rushefsky, an internationally recognized tsimbl player and composer who has collaborated with Itzhak Perlman and other major artists.
Our concert celebrates these dynamic individuals through newly crafted arrangements inspired by historic recordings, archival manuscripts, and contemporary sources—bringing the tsimbl’s vibrant history and voice to life for modern audiences.
Performed By
- Mr. Steven Greenman, director
- Matthew Haimowitz, marimba (CWRU)
- Jiani Liang, piano (CIM)
- Benjamin Poulin, cello (CWRU)
- Aarav Swami, xylophone (CWRU)
- Jingwen Wei, piano (CIM)
- Xiang Tao Ke, clarinet (CIM)
- Leo Yamauchi, violin (CWRU)
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a wide range of concerts, recitals, and special events that showcase the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, these performances highlight the creativity and excellence within CWRU’s vibrant music community. Open to the public, the series offers opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience inspiring live music and support the next generation of musicians and scholars.
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and exquisite woodwork. The neo-Gothic structure, located on Mather Quad at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance. The chapel offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant space for performances and special events.