On Sunday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m., Beryllium String Quartet will perform a free, one-hour chamber music program open to the public, featuring selections from the Ashkenazi traditions of Klezmer music. The concert is at Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
Originally performed as both concert and celebratory music for Eastern European cultural events, Klezmer was gradually relegated to being played strictly for celebrations in the wake of Jewish public meetings and concerts becoming prohibited.
Beryllium String Quartet explores myriad facets of Klezmer music. Some have been handed down in traditional form, while other variations combine Western Classical music with Eastern European Jewish and folkloric music.
Led by Beryllium founder Beryl Diamond Chacon, on violin, Beryllium features Rena Isbin, violin; William Hakim, viola; Robert Burkhart, cello. The ensemble has played Broadway, The Frick Collection museum, and Metropolitan Museum of Art, among other venues.
To RSVP for the concert, contact office@OurShirShalom.org. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., and the program is child-friendly. More info at berylliummusic.com.
Congregation Shir Shalom is at 46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield, Conn. 06877; (203)-438-6589.