Magillah is a multifaceted ensemble whose projects and roots are found in the music and history of Eastern European Ashkenazi Jews. Henri Oppenheim, a Paris-born composer and accordionist of Jewish origin, leads this Montreal-based ensemble. He has been active in the Canadian and international world music scene for the last fifteen years (ex-leader of Kleztory, Opus Prize 2007 for world music album of the year in Quebec).
The 2013 album, “Fotografie” (Finalist for Opus Prize, 2013), pays homage to Klezmer and the great Yiddish standards. The works spanning a range from nostalgia to joyous celebration forms the basis of today’s program. Julie Triquet, I Musici’s concert master, was the violin soloist on the album and has been an invaluable collaborator with Magillah for many years.
Magillah's newest album, «Tur Malka: New songs of Yiddish Montreal», was produced by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Coeur de Pirate among others) and released in february 2016. It is a musical setting of works by leading figures of Canadian Yiddish literature of the 20th century, and aims to revive an important period of Yiddish culture in Canada. Oppenheim’s poignant melodic tunes reveal a range of styles from folk ballads to electro-infused popular songs. "Tur Malka” was premiered as an orchestral suite in June 2014 in Montreal’s principal concert hall, la Maison Symphonique, and will be performed in a symphonic setting in feb. 2016 with the Orchestre Métropolitain.
The 2013 album, “Fotografie” (Finalist for Opus Prize, 2013), pays homage to Klezmer and the great Yiddish standards. The works spanning a range from nostalgia to joyous celebration forms the basis of today’s program. Julie Triquet, I Musici’s concert master, was the violin soloist on the album and has been an invaluable collaborator with Magillah for many years.
Magillah's newest album, «Tur Malka: New songs of Yiddish Montreal», was produced by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Coeur de Pirate among others) and released in february 2016. It is a musical setting of works by leading figures of Canadian Yiddish literature of the 20th century, and aims to revive an important period of Yiddish culture in Canada. Oppenheim’s poignant melodic tunes reveal a range of styles from folk ballads to electro-infused popular songs. "Tur Malka” was premiered as an orchestral suite in June 2014 in Montreal’s principal concert hall, la Maison Symphonique, and will be performed in a symphonic setting in feb. 2016 with the Orchestre Métropolitain.
Magillah is a long story.
Veeeeeeeeeeery long.
Magillah is not a group.
It is a concept.
Nothing less!
Magillah is the music of Henri Oppenheim, in its various incarnations.
At the moment, Magillah has two main stories.
Traditional songs and melodies in "Fotografie".
Original songs on Yiddish poets’ works in "Tur Malka".
Magillah has different musicians depending on the project.
They bring Oppenheim’s music to life.
The musicians are always great.
(Of course!)
Magillah plays music that embraces over 5000 years of history.
Struggle, suffering, but also hopes and joys.
Magillah likes passion and nostalgia.
It also likes to dance and laugh.
Magillah likes rich vocal harmonies.
The soaring violin.
The wheezing accordion.
And weird electronic sounds.
Magillah likes music when it rocks.
And conversely, when it is very soft and sensual.
Magillah likes Music.
If you follow...
Veeeeeeeeeeery long.
Magillah is not a group.
It is a concept.
Nothing less!
Magillah is the music of Henri Oppenheim, in its various incarnations.
At the moment, Magillah has two main stories.
Traditional songs and melodies in "Fotografie".
Original songs on Yiddish poets’ works in "Tur Malka".
Magillah has different musicians depending on the project.
They bring Oppenheim’s music to life.
The musicians are always great.
(Of course!)
Magillah plays music that embraces over 5000 years of history.
Struggle, suffering, but also hopes and joys.
Magillah likes passion and nostalgia.
It also likes to dance and laugh.
Magillah likes rich vocal harmonies.
The soaring violin.
The wheezing accordion.
And weird electronic sounds.
Magillah likes music when it rocks.
And conversely, when it is very soft and sensual.
Magillah likes Music.
If you follow...
