As war rages in Ukraine, a land rich in Yiddish culture, we gather to honor its stories and songs. From tales of forbidden love to boy soldiers and the beauty of nature, these timeless melodies resonate with tragic relevance today. Ukraine is the heart of Yiddish music, the source of many beloved klezmer tunes.

In this program, three of the world’s leading klezmer musicians and Yiddish singers — Michael Alpert, Sasha Lurje, and Craig Judelman — bring together this rich musical tradition with new songs and compositions, painting a vivid picture of Jewish life in Ukraine, both past and present. As they stand in solidarity with those fighting for freedom, they share a message of unity, resilience, and cultural survival in the face of adversity.

Together, these virtuosos explore the deep connections between Ukrainian and Ashkenazi culture, drawing poignant parallels to the ongoing conflict, and giving voice to the pain and beauty of a culture threatened by war.