Musical Mishpucha: The Classical influence on the Great American Songbook

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, 310 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold, NJ | Get Directions »
$12.00

The Jewish Heritage Museum will welcome the New Year by hosting "Musical Mishpucha: The Classical influence on the Great American Songbook". Long-time Museum friends Alan Wasserman, Bethe Burns and Vic Schioppo will celebrate the music of Jewish composers, spanning different genres and over 80 years of American popular song on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2 P.M. Admission is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.  This program is the last in a series of three concerts made possible by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County.

Many Jewish composers and performers began their musical studies in the classical world.  Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin continued to cross over into the popular culture through their work on the Broadway stage, ballet, and film.  They each created monumental compositions in a variety of genres throughout their illustrious careers. Mid-century artists Neil Sedaka and Burt Bacharach share an early classical training on the piano. Neil Sedaka became a teenage hit maker, singer, and songwriter, and Burt Bacharach, most notably teamed with Hal David, writing hit songs and film scores.

Modern day composers such as the late Marvin Hamlisch, and Billy Joel continued that tradition.  Both artists began their studies in classical music on the piano. Along with his composing, Marvin Hamlisch was a sought after conductor and arranger, and Billy Joel wrote classical instrumental orchestral works after a major career as a popular singer and songwriter.

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County is located at 310 Mounts Corner Drive, in the Mounts Corner Shopping Center, Route 357 and Wemrock Road, Freehold, New Jersey.  It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is handicapped accessible. For more information call 732-252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org.  Tickets for this event may be purchased online.