Classical Guitarist, Composer, Educator
The November 10th, 2019 National Association of Composers/USA (NACUSA) concert at Mississippi University for Women (otherwise known as The W) not only saw Dr. Alan Goldspiel featured prominently but also premiered two of his pieces.
Continue reading “Two World Premieres, One NACUSA Concert at the W”
September and October were such busy months to keep up with Dr. Alan Goldspiel’s activities so we decided an October Highlight Roundup was in order.
At the height of the Jewish holiday season, the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band were in high demand this year. In addition to a gig at the Chez Lulu restaurant on October 15th (Click Here to read more about that event), the Klezmer musicians found themselves doing back to back performances on October 20th and 21st at different holiday celebrations.
Sunday, October 20th the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band were invited for the second year in a row to provide music for Be One Ministries’ Sukkot Celebration at the Crossbridge Church of Christ’s Fall celebration.
The band’s line up for the outdoor celebration was Alan Goldspiel (guitar), Robert Janssen (clarinet), and Pei-Ju Wu (violin) and they were embraced by the crowd, who were dancing and clapping along to the Klezmer music all evening.
The next evening, Monday, 21 October, found the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band returning to Temple Emanu-El to perform for the congregations of Temple Emanu-El and their neighbors Temple Beth-El. The combined get together celebrated Simchat Torah – marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings. The festivities began at Temple Beth-El earlier in the evening and ended at Temple Emanu-El where the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band were waiting to provide the music for the event.
Simchat Torah is the only time of the year where the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read at night. During this celebration everyone leaves their seats to dance and sing with the Torah scroll in a joyous celebration.
The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band line up for this year’s Simchat Torah was Alan Goldspiel (guitar), Robert Janssen (clarinet), and Ron Alexander (bass). This was the second year in a row that the band was asked to provide the music for this joyous celebration.
The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band was formed by Alan Goldspiel in 2010 to celebrate the opening of the art exhibit Darkness Into Light sponsored by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center and has varying members depending on how large or small a band is required. The band has performed throughout central Alabama and is available for events both public and private. For more information about or to contact the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band Click Here!
Dr. Alan Goldspiel’s Golus I had its World Premiere on Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI) Conference at the University of Northern Iowa’s Bengtson Hall at 8:30 p.m.
The piece, written for clarinet, flute, and piano, was performed by three of Dr. Goldspiel’s fellow University of Montevallo colleagues – Dr. Lori Ardovino (clarinet), Dr. Laurie Middaugh (piano), and Dr. Brittney Patterson (flute).
Goldspiel states:
“The word golus is Yiddish for exile and it refers to the diaspora of the Jewish people. Diaspora Studies, in general, reflect on overcoming tremendous hardship, the ongoing growth of the diasporic phenomenon, and the cultural, social, political, and economic contributions of such peoples to their new homeland hosts.
The musical work Golus I reflects on the tragedy and courage of all exiled peoples and, in some very small way, seeks to emotionally represent that life-altering experience. It is the first in a series of works that takes the notion of exile as inspiration and commentary.”
Goldspiel was also recently notified that Golus I has been selected for presentation at the College Music Society (CMS) 2020 Southern Conference at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee in February.
Dr. Ardovino’s piece The Nine Worlds also had its World Premiere at the conference and was performed by the trio of University of Montevallo professors.
On Sunday, October 20th, 2019, the National Association of Composers, USA/Mid-South Chapter (NACUSA) returned to the University of Montevallo for a concert of new music by region composers.
Continue reading “NACUSA Returns to the University of Montevallo”
15 October, 2019
The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band was honored to be invited to join in on the Chez Lulu Fall Oohlala! Lantern Parade and Harvest Party last month. It was quite a unique performance at the Chez Lulu restaurant with belly dancers, poetry readings, and a parade throughout the Village as well.
Continue reading “Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band Joins Chez Lulu Fall Festivities”
24 September, 2019
Dr. Alan Goldspiel performed as a Guest Artist for Brad Diamond’s (tenor) Tuesday evening faculty recital at Samford University – School of the Arts.
Continue reading “Goldspiel Invited to be Guest Artist at Samford University Recital”
On Tuesday, September 17th, Professors Alan Goldspiel, Melanie Williams, Lori Ardovino, and Laurie Middaugh set off on an adventure to promote the pursuit of music careers and the University of Montevallo to students at Boaz High School and Snead State Community College.
Continue reading “Boaz High School and Snead State Community College Adventures”
On August 19th, 2019, the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band was pleased to perform at the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center’s (BHEC) annual L’Chaim ceremony.
Continue reading “Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band Helps Bring L’Chaim 2019 To Life”
4 July, 2019
Dr. Alan Goldspiel returned for the fourth year in a row to perform as an 18th Century Spanish Guitarist during the Independence Day celebrations at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama.