VIDEO--EXCERPTS
FLYER

CONVERGENCE is a new repertoire of works exploring exile, spirituality, hope and redemption. Combining diverse strains of traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and African American music, CONVERGENCE stands directly at spiritual, historical and textual crossroads. The musical sources are diverse: Chassidic piyyutim, negro spirituals, Yiddish labor union songs, Civil Rights anthems, Israeli folksong and traditional Ashkenazi synagogue music. The musical idioms are diverse as well, bearing elements of contemporary classical, jazz, blues, gospel, klezmer, chazzanut and experimental music.

Mr. Russell is accompanied by pianist Rachel Jensen.

Hosted by: Program in Jewish Culture and Society

In conjunction with: Department of African American Studies, Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, Department of History, Department of Religion, Illini Hillil, Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities, Robert E. Brown Center for World Music, Russian, East European and Eurasian Center, School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, School of Music, Sinai Temple, Spurlock Museum