ENSEMBLE 
M’CHAIYA

Our Lectures blend insightful information on the subject matter and use illuminating examples of music to underline the content. When possible, the audience is directly engaged by singing, playing percussion, and dancing.

Our Master Classes directly engage students in playing music as well as giving the theory and history behind the pieces presented. Students are taught dances that go with the rhythms to better incorporate them into playing.

Wendy Adele-Marie, Professor of History and Coordinator of Jewish Studies at Oakton Community College said: “[the program] was very engaging, incorporating a history lesson directly translatable to student learning, and was simply delightful. … Both my colleagues and students have conveyed how impressive the performance was and how much they enjoyed it. … Highly recommended!”

Click on a program title below for more information on that program.

Living, interactive culture

Awareness of the world, society, and history all increase when the Hi-Dukes introduce folks to the traditional music and dance of over twenty cultures, such as those of the Balkan lands.

Gorgeous musical scales like Hijaz and Sabach ride on the asymmetrical rhythms of the Balkans while the Hi-Dukes play traditional ethnic instruments, like the Bulgarian end-blown flute, Greek baglama, Middle-eastern drums, and world-famous ocarina alongside the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Vocals are sung with up to three-part harmonies.

Audience members learn dances, sing simple songs in non-English languages, and drum along on the band’s percussion.

We start in 1492

The history of the Sephardim begins in 1492 when Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon joined their kingdoms following centuries of Moslem domination which began in 711 CE. In the process of creating a unified Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand demanded that all non-Catholics convert to Catholicism.

Jews who refused went into exile in countries sitting along the Mediterranean basin as well as into France and Holland. These religious refugees have retained a Spanish-based language (Ladino) and culture for over 500 years. This lecture illuminates some of their experiences through song and stories.

GENERAL INFO

Unique instrument­ation

This may be the only Klezmer band in the world using a Kaval (end-blown Bulgarian Flute) as a main instrument! The core instrument­ation also includes Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, (both Balkan drums) and Percussion along with two vocalists. From there you may choose additional musicians including a saxophonist, a bassist, and other instrument options.

Most of our musicians are multi-instrumentalists, a fact which allows the band to create an ever changing color, but whatever the sound, every number grabs attention, gets feet tapping, urging folks to dance.

Band size can range from a powerful, budget-pleasing duet or trio up to a slamming six-piece band that will energize the largest crowd. Whatever size you choose, you’ll get the right size band to match your interests and budget!

Klezmer and Sephardic music for the world

The Ensemble M’chaiya* gives substance to the meaning of its name by playing it your way! If you don’t see what you are looking for, contact us! Our presentations are very flexible and customizable.

Whether in America, Canada, or Europe, whether on a major festival stage or in a home for an intimate private party (as well as anything in between), the band’s high quality music, distinctive sound, attention to details that are important to you, and reasonable prices will be a ”life giving pleasure” for you.

* In Yiddish, “m’chaiya” means “A life-giving pleasure”

Flexible and affordable

We are happy to customize our programs to fit your interests and to adjust the band’s size to your budget and needs.