Program
Shvayg Mayn Harz - A Swingin’ Chanukka
On 13 December 2026, the Shvayg Mayn Harts Orchestra brings the world of Yiddish musical theatre to Leipzig’s Schaubühne Lindenfels. At the heart of the programme are songs by Alexander Olshanetsky and Herman Yablokoff, two influential composers who helped shape Yiddish musical theatre in the 20th century. Their works tell stories of love and loss, longing, humour, home and the joy of life.
The songs are presented in new arrangements for a 13-piece big band with strings. The soloists are renowned singer Roman Grinberg and vocalist Sasha Lurje. Musical direction is by Michael Alexander Willens, the grandson of both composers. For him, the programme is also a personal musical journey of discovery: he brings his grandfathers’ music back to the stage, connecting family history with the cultural heritage of an entire generation.
The programme features well-known songs alongside pieces waiting to be rediscovered, including “Papirosn”, “Mayn Shtetele Belz”, “Hopkele” and “Hosti Gisti Bisti”. Rather than treating Yiddish music as a museum piece from a bygone world, the concert celebrates it as a living, creative and contemporary art form, bringing historical repertoire together with a modern ensemble sound.
The evening sends a positive message in support of the visibility of Jewish life and cultural diversity, and against antisemitism. The concert is presented in collaboration with Schaubühne Lindenfels.
Soloists: Roman Grinberg, Sasha Lurje
Artistic Director: Michael Alexander Willens
Music: Shvayg Mayn Harts Orchestra
An event organised by Sächsische Freunde der Kölner Akademie in cooperation with Schaubühne Lindenfels.
