Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Brave Old World is a klezmer band that was formed in 1989. The band consists of five members: Alan Bern on accordion, Michael Alpert on vocals and violin, Kurt Bjorling on clarinet, Stuart Brotman on bass and cimbalom, and the late band member, Frank London on trumpet. The band is known for their unique blend of traditional klezmer music with modern influences. The band's roots can be traced back to the early 1980s when Alan Bern and Stuart Brotman were members of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. The two musicians shared a passion for klezmer music and began to explore the genre in depth. In 1989, they formed Brave Old World with Michael Alpert, Kurt Bjorling, and Frank London. The band's name, Brave Old World, is a reference to the Yiddish phrase "alte velt," which means "old world." The name reflects the band's commitment to preserving and celebrating the traditional music of Eastern European Jews. Brave Old World's music is characterized by its virtuosic instrumental performances, intricate arrangements, and emotional depth. The band draws on a wide range of influences, including jazz, classical music, and world music. Their music is both traditional and innovative, reflecting the band's commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future. One of the band's early highlights was their performance at the 1990 Berlin Jazz Festival. The festival was a major international event, and Brave Old World's performance was widely praised for its energy and creativity. The band's performance helped to introduce klezmer music to a wider audience and cemented their reputation as one of the leading klezmer bands in the world. In 1992, Brave Old World released their debut album, Klezmer Music. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning rave reviews and helping to establish the band as a major force in the world music scene. The album featured a mix of traditional klezmer tunes and original compositions, showcasing the band's versatility and creativity. Over the years, Brave Old World has continued to tour and record, releasing a series of acclaimed albums and performing at major festivals and venues around the world. The band has won numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy nomination for their 1999 album, Blood Oranges. One of the band's most memorable performances was their 2001 concert at the Berlin Philharmonic. The concert was a tribute to the Jewish musicians who had performed at the Philharmonic before World War II, many of whom were later killed in the Holocaust. Brave Old World's performance was a powerful reminder of the resilience and vitality of Jewish culture, and it was widely praised for its emotional impact and musical excellence. In addition to their work as a band, the members of Brave Old World have also been active as educators and advocates for klezmer music. They have taught workshops and master classes around the world, and they have worked to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European Jews. Sadly, in 2018, the band lost one of its founding members, Frank London, who passed away at the age of 61. London was a gifted musician and composer, and his contributions to Brave Old World were immeasurable. The band continues to perform and record, honoring London's memory and carrying on his legacy. Today, Brave Old World remains one of the most respected and influential klezmer bands in the world.

More....