City of Refuge Opening Concert

John Zorn’s Masada String Trio
Septeto Roberto Rodriguez
Masada String Trio: Mark Feldman, violin; Erik Friedlander, cello; Greg Cohen, bass; John Zorn, conductor
Septeto Roberto Rodriguez: Meg Okura, violin; Sam Bardfeld, violin; Mary Wooten, cello; Matt Darriau (of the Klezmatics) woodwinds; Curtis Hasselbring, trombone; Will Holshouser, accordion/keys; Jennifer Vincent, bass; Roberto Juan Rodriguez, percussion
John Zorn has created what he calls radical Jewish music – radical, because, though it builds on the past, it is a radical departure from the Jewish music that came before. Zorn has fostered a community of musicians committed to exploring and expanding Jewish traditions. Zorn’s provocative music provides a soundtrack for looking back on 350 years of Jewish life in America, while simultaneously considering the bright future of American Judaism.

The three virtuosos in Masada String Trio shed new light on Zorn’s dynamic Jewish compositions. Septeto Roberto Rodriguez, led by acclaimed percussionist Roberto Rodriguez, celebrates the elusive Jewish community of Cuba, by creating a new style of music that blends Latin and Jewish traditions.