“Simkha” ensemble to celebrate its 20th anniversary in Kazan

The klezmer ensemble “Simkha” will celebrate its 20th anniversary at a grandiose concert in the UNICS centre on the 19th of October.

“Simkha”, one of the most professional ensembles of Russia, as a rule performs the Jewish music. It is planning to give a concert in Kazan in a day or two. The “Tatar-inform” agency’s reporter attended a rehearsal of the band and talked to the artistic director of the klezmer ensemble Edward Tumansky. The name of the band, “Simkha”, is first of all associated with Leonid Solntse – the ensemble’s artistic director who died in November 2001.

According to Edward Tumansky, “Simkha” has held rehearsals at Kazan Synagogue since it was established. “Of course, one always wants more and better, but basically we are quite satisfied with the conditions at this point,” he indicated.

“Simkha” is a joy and that’s what is important. We want to make our audience cheerful, amused, and sometimes a little sad,” he believes.

The klezmer ensemble “Simkha” was founded in 1989 in Kazan. It performs in a very romantic, emotional manner. The ensemble plays a big role in the Jewish musical life of Kazan, Russia, and the CIS. In addition to its concerts, “Simkha” is also involved in popularization of Jewish art. The band cooperates with many Jewish musicians of the Commonwealth of Independent States.