On Stage at Kingsborough brings the cheer with its holiday shows

It’s the holiday season again and On Stage at Kingsborough is helping to make it festive.

First up of On Stage’s seasonal offerings is “8 Days of Klezmer” on Saturday, December 3 at 3 p.m.

Described as a celebration of the festival of lights, the performance provides attendees with the opportunity to explore the unique spirit of klezmer with melodies of joyful sorrow, as well as Gypsy-flavored Hanukkah favorites.

The show will feature host and Artistic Director of MusicTalks Elad Kabilio, 12th Night Klezmer, and critically acclaimed singer Daniella Rabbani who promise to take audiences on a musical trip from the Shtetls of Eastern Europe to the streets of New York City.

Kabilio discussed what attendees can expect, including an enlightening journey.

“The artists will share the story about the music. Usually in jazz and klezmer, any non-classical form, the performers will say something about the pieces they are about to perform, so we have a mission to education the audience,” he said. “It’s important for us to give them little bits and pieces of information that will be very helpful to connect to the music because we always understand the music we perform is not what you hear on the radio and there is always something that you can teach the audience that won’t sound like a lecture.

Photo by Nir Arieli
Photo by Nir Arieli/ 12th Night Klezmer

“Klezmer is all about the combination of happiness and sorrow,” he added. “That’s what you have in life.”

Making the performance engaging is Kabilio’s goal.

“Our mission is to break down the barriers between musicians and audiences because we always feel like the musicians are elevated and on stage and above the audience,” he said. “I think it’s the opposite. Without the audience, there wouldn’t be anything. It would be worthless. The audience really appreciates what we give them. We always like to share something personal about the music because we really believe if we share something personal, you’ll be more inclined to listen to what we’re playing.”

He also enjoys his time with On Stage at Kingsborough.

“I love working with them for several reasons,” he said. “If I have an idea, we can collaborate and pull it off.  I always feel we are presenting something fresh and different. It’s really nice. I love bringing those concerts from Manhattan into Brooklyn.”

Tickets for the show are $32.

Then on Sunday, December 17, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia is bringing back “The Nutcracker.”

Executive Director of On Stage at Kingsborough Anna Becker is excited about the upcoming performance.

“’The Nutcracker’ is an enchanting holiday tradition for so many, and we are delighted to have none other than the State Ballet Theatre of Russia (from the city of Voronezh), founded by legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Maya Plisetskaya, present this jewel to our community,” she said. “This is actually our second year presenting ‘The Nutcracker’ and we’re delighted to see the great enthusiasm for it.  Prior to that, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia brought us gorgeous productions of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Swan Lake.’  It’s become a lovely tradition to have this company of more than 40 of Russia’s brightest ballet stars perform here.”

Nutcracker_65

Although there may be changes in the cast of the show, the ballet that audiences love is expected to stay the same.

“I believe if you ask anyone what performance they might most associate with the holidays, Christmas in particular, it would be ‘The Nutcracker.’  People not only enjoy the exquisite artistry on stage, they are also excited for the joyous holiday tradition in and of itself,” Becker said.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is directed by the award-winning Moiseyev Dance Company soloist Nikolay Anokhin;  its dancers have trained at prestigious academies in Russia.

“It is quite special for the company to perform here actually,” said Becker.  “Because of our proximity to Brighton Beach and because of the significant Russian community here, the artists feel very much at home. They have raved about the quality of the nearby Russian restaurants and enjoy shopping in the area. Of course, as many dance companies do, they enjoy dancing on our grand stage, and are thrilled by the enthusiasm of our audiences.”

Tickets to the event are $32.

Both shows will be performed at On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Boulevard.

For more information on both shows, visit www.onstageatkingsborough.org.

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