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WHAT IS THE GESHER MUSIC FESTIVAL?

The Gesher Music Festival is the creation of New Jewish Theater Artistic Director Kathleen Sitzer and professional cellist Sara Sitzer, who first collaborated in 2011 to fill a cultural void in the Jewish Community of Saint Louis.  Their mission was to enrich the cultural life of the entire Saint Louis community through a unique chamber music experience in an intimate setting, expose new audiences to classical music, promote emerging artists, and infuse the experience with Jewish thematic content.  The inaugural concerts took place in June 2011 and were a tremendous success!

OUR GOALS AND VALUES

In Hebrew, Gesher means bridge or connection.  One of the goals of the festival is to find the connections between classical chamber music and the Jewish experience.  Also important is the effort to reach a diverse audience through community engagement and outreach.  The Gesher Music Festival features music written by Jewish and non-Jewish composers alike that has a connection to the Jewish perspective.  The musicians are emerging artists and young professionals just beginning their musical careers.

Community engagement is a vital aspect of the Gesher Music Festival.  Throughout the festival, the artists visit day camps, hospitals, senior living communities, and inner city youth centers to play for people who might not otherwise have a chance to hear a live performance, and to help them understand the pieces musically, culturally, and intellectually.

THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

The festival will take place the week of June 24-July 1, 2012.  Many of last year’s artists will be returning, as well as some new incredible musicians!  On opening night of the festival, Cantor Sharon Nathanson will be featured as guest artist to perform a concert of Jewish melodies alongside the Gesher musicians.  For more details about the concerts and events, visit www.geshermusicfestival.org or the New Jewish Theater's website.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As the Gesher Music Festival grows and expands, so do our expenses!  Your donation will help pay for sheet music purchases, rental and maintenance of a fine concert piano, guest artist fees, as well as stipends and travel expenses that allow us to secure the talents of some of the best young professional musicians in the country.  We appreciate whatever donation seems right to you--no amount is too small!

Thank you for your generosity, we’ll see you at the 2nd annual Gesher Music Festival of Emerging Artists!!