In Many Tongues: Jewish Macaronic Songs
D. Zisl Slepovitch, Ph.D. in Musicology, presents a concert-lecture exploring the fascinating phenomenon of macaronic songs—songs that mix two or more languages, as traditionally performed by Yiddish-speaking Jews in Eastern Europe and beyond, as well as by their neighbors.
Through stories, historical insights, and live musical performances, Slepovitch explores multilingualism as an integral feature of Jewish languages and musical traditions. Discover how macaronic songs served a variety of purposes across Jewish society, from education and secrecy to humor and making Jewish songs accessible to non-Jewish neighbors.
The program reveals how mixing languages can express cultural identity, bridge communities, and create playful, unexpected connections between words and music. Whether spontaneous or deliberately crafted, these songs offer a captivating glimpse into the rich linguistic and musical life of Eastern European Jewish communities.
Zisl Slepovitch will accompany his singing on the keyboard, bringing this remarkable musical tradition to life.
Enjoy an evening of live music, rich traditions, and captivating storytelling, with complimentary champagne to make the experience even more special. 🥂🎼