Exciting Klezmer Music with The Kugels

Take 3 former NZSO players, an Arts Laureate composer, a bass player of reknown, and a charismatic singer, and you have The Kugels! The ensemble has been together for 10 years now, has completed nationwide tours for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music NZ, and has performed as guest artists at several NZ festivals.

With passion and sensitivity, the Kugels play traditional Klezmer music and original works by their in-house composer/accordionist Ross Harris. Klezmer music is the folk music of Jewish people from Eastern and Central Europe, and speaks eloquently for the plight of oppressed minorities everywhere. “The music is wild,  passionate and haunting, and makes you want to dance!” says Ross.

The Kugels line-up for this concert is: 

Ross Harris, accordion, former NZSO french horn player, and lecturer at Victoria University. He is one of NZ’s leading composers, becoming an Arts Laureate in 2015.

Robin Perks, violin, was a member of the NZSO for 37 years, and has performed and arranged Klezmer music in Wellington for about 15 years. 

Debbie Lawson, clarinet and saxophone, is a former NZSO player, probably best known as the leader of  the saxophone ensemble Saxcess.

Nick Tipping , bass, has a PhD and lectures in Jazz, plays with national and international stars including the NZSO, Bic Runga, and Kenny Burrel, and is well known for his presentations “Inside Out” and  “The Works” on Concert FM.

  Anna Gawn , soprano, is a versatile and charismatic soloist, equally at home with oratorios and Yiddish songs.

Debbie says, “We have been missing playing concerts a great deal.We have done exactly one this year with four cancelled to date, and have been getting a bit depressed, so we are looking forward immensely to playing in Greytown soon!  Ross Harris has produced fresh new compositions for Anna Gawn, so the concert will include some world premiers,  Robin Perks has arranged some new music, and Nick Tipping will provide some dazzling improvisations.”

The Kugels Klezmer Ensemble : 4pm on Sunday 29 May at 57 Wood Street Greytown. Admission $30, $10 for Children. Bookings essential – contact Ed and Juliet Cooke on 06 304 9497 or efjacooke@gmail.com.