Temple Beth El of Oneonta is proud to present in concert the nationally recognized
klezmer ensemble, Big Galut(e), as part of the synagogue’s 90th anniversary celebration.
Following opening remarks by Mayor Dan Butterman, the ensemble will present a full concert of Ashkenazic folk music. Klezmer refers to the joyous and soulful music of the Eastern European Jewish
communities dating from the Middle Ages. Having all but disappeared it has been in a
spirited revival for decades with an appeal that crosses ethnic and geographic boundaries.
Since their inception in 2010, Big Galut(e) has blended history, passion, virtuosity and
humor in their performances. They have been featured on NPR’s “Performance Today” and
WNYC’s “New Sounds”, have appeared on concert stages throughout the country including
at Stamford and Cornell Universities and were prize winners at an international music
competition. Locally, they have performed for the Oneonta Concert Association, appeared
as soloists with the Catskill Symphony and were featured twice on the Glimmerglass
Festival Pavillion series. This will be their first appearance in our area since before the
Covid shutdown. Founding member Robin Seletsky is a second-generation klezmer
musician who was recognized by the New York Times for her “stylish” and “jazzy” clarinet
playing. Big Galut(e)’s instrumentation of clarinet, violin, accordion, bass and guitar is
typical of traditional klezmer bands but their modest reinvention of Old World sound and
style, while staying true to the spirit of the music, is unique. Their programs typically
include exuberant dance melodies, reflective improvisations and joyous sing-alongs.
Temple Beth El was founded in 1936. Their first home was over the Oneonta Theater on
Chestnut Street. They have been in their present location since 1956 and are fortunate to
have an acoustically warm sanctuary that is perfect for musical performances. This special
family-friendly event in recognition of their 90th anniversary is a way to honor the past
while celebrating the present and future.