The term ‘Klezmer’ comes from the Hebrew words "klei" meaning‘vessel’ and "zemer" meaning ‘song’ - literally meaning "instrument of song". This was the Yiddish word by which the musicians themselves were known in Eastern Europe. The term ‘Klezmer Music’ was first used in the 1970s to describe the traditional instrumental music of the Yiddish-speaking people of Eastern Europe whose origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

Klezmer is enjoying huge popularity world wide and giving pleasure to thousands of listeners and performers. This toe-tapping Eastern European party music imbued with Jewish tonalities and spirituality resonates with people young and old from a wide variety of backgrounds.

JMI presents concerts at exciting venues all over London as well as one off workshops, weekly classes and the famous KlezFest, a week-long Ot Azoy summer school at the University of London. JMI supports performers and ensembles, provides resources in the JMI library and through Jewish Music Distribution and promotes workshops and performances in other centres in the UK.

*Photo of She'koyokh Klezmer Ensemble

last modified: 20 April 2004