Ongoing: The NY Klezmer Series has a new home, but the music still rings out on Thursday evenings. Dance classes and late-night jam sessions are an integral part of the experience. Town & Village Synagogue, 334 E. 14th St., nyklezmer.com.
Feb. 21-24: A festival in celebration of the all-but-forgotten Jewish composer Karol Rathaus. Although he survived the Shoah, Rathaus’ music which had been suppressed by the Nazis remained virtually unheard after WWII. A new documentary film, symposia and concerts of his chamber and orchestral music highlight this event. Of particular interest is the Feb. 24 (3 p.m.) concert performance of his piano concerto by Daniel Wnukowski with The Orchestra Now, conducted by Leon Botstein. Queens College LeFrak Concert Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, karolrathausfilm.com.
Feb. 24-26: American Sephardi Music Festival. A celebration of the many vibrant musical traditions encompassed by the label “Sephardic.” Ranging from Jewish-Argentine tango to Azerbaijani folk, this is a rare opportunity to hear live performances by world-class musicians whose work is not nearly as well known as it ought to be in the U.S. Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., americansephardi.org/events.
March 19-23: A rare opportunity for a major rediscovery. “Dinorah,” a comic opera by Giacomo Meyerbeer, hasn’t been performed in New York since 1925. Meyerbeer was a particular target of Richard Wagner’s anti-Semitic rants and despite the popularity of his operas during his lifetime, his work has been neglected. Amore Opera Company will be performing “Dinorah” in the original French version. Riverside Theatre at Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Ave., amoreopera.org.
March 29-31: Trumpeter Avishai Cohen (part of Israel’s first family of jazz, along with siblings Anat and Yuval) completes a lengthy tour with an appearance at one of the city’s top jazz rooms. Jazz Standard, 16 E. 27th St., jazzstandard.com.
March 31: HaZamir’s annual gala concert, featuring its internationally acclaimed teen choir and guests that includes several world premieres, including a new work by Steven Cohen. David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center), 4 p.m., wizadjournal.com/hazamirgalaconcert2019.
April 12-Sept. 8: “Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything,” an exhibit of art inspired by the great composer, performer and poet, reflecting in part on his intensely felt Jewish identity. Like Cohen himself, this should be a startling change of pace and one hopes it will highlight his under-appreciated wry sense of humor. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue
thejewishmuseum.org.
April 16: The Israeli Chamber Project returns to the Baruch College Performing Arts Center with works including Mozart/Andre’s Clarinet Quartet in E-Flat Major, Bartok’s Contrasts, Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60, and more. Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Ave., 7:30 p.m., baruch.cuny.edu/bpac.
June 16: “Yiddish Flavors of Love: A Musical Celebration.” Infuse the taste of Yiddish culture into your Father’s Day with a mix of songs inspired by love: paternal, patriotic, poignant, or passionate. The Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus (JPPC) is a multigenerational forty-voice ensemble led by Binyumen Schaechter. They’ll surprise you with their all-Yiddish repertoire and ear-catching arrangements. This year, you’ll hear classic hits like the Godfather theme and popular tunes by Puccini and Handel. Whether you’re fluent or Yiddish-challenged, expect a heymish afternoon. You’ll stay connected with the help of Schaechter’s informative intros, English supertitles, and a keepsake booklet with full lyric translations. After brunch or before dinner, treat Dad to some delicious Yiddish four-part harmony. 3 p.m., Merkin Concert Hall (129 W. 67th St.), www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/yiddish-flavors-of-love-a-musical-celebration/
