About The Cincinnati Klezmer Project

The Cincinnati Klezmer Project has been performing authentic Eastern European Jewish folk music, and Yiddish and Israeli songs, since 1993.
 
Klezmer music is the “soul music” of the Jewish people. The original Klezmer musicians traveled from shtetl to shtetl, performing at Jewish weddings in the early 18th century. Over centuries, it evolved into a sophisticated musical tradition that is emotional and exuberant. Though it nearly died out a generation ago, it is today undergoing an international renaissance, and is widely acclaimed and celebrated by Jewish and non-Jewish music-lovers alike.

Michele Gingras, Professor of Clarinet at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, has performed both Klezmer and classical music around the world. At Miami University, She was awarded the titles of Distinguished Educator in 2002, and Distinguished Scholar in 2005. She has recorded 8 CDs of clarinet music, including 3 CDs of Klezmer music, and is the author of "Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist," published by Scarecrow Press.

Irina Bernadsky (Ukrainian mandolin) received her musical education at a prominent music conservatory in Kiev, Ukraine. After graduation, she worked as a music teacher in Kiev’s public school system until she emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1993, where she has been performing music with the Cincinnati Klezmer Project and other ensembles, and where she serves as Director of Activities at Wellspring Health Care Center.

Steven F. Stuhlbarg (classical guitar and vocals) has been performing Jewish music at synagogues and simchas for the past 36 years. When he is not singing or playing guitar, he practices law in Cincinnati.

Joshua Moore (bass) is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In addition to playing with the Cincinnati Klezmer Project, Josh also performs with jazz combos, big bands, salsa groups, orchestras, pop groups, and in musicals.
 
Chris Novy (drums) was one of the founding members of the Cincinnati Klezmer Project. Over the years he has performed with a great many local bands of all sorts. Chris is also the Director of Traveling Exhibits at Cincinnati Museum Center.

 


Cincinnati Klezmer Project Core Member and Supporter Biographies

Michele Gingras, (Classical Clarinet) Professor of Clarinet at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, has performed both Klezmer and classical music around the world. At Miami University, She was awarded the titles of Distinguished Educator in 2002, and Distinguished Scholar in 2005. She has recorded 7 CDs of clarinet music, including 2 CDs of Klezmer music, and is the author of "Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist," published by Scarecrow Press. 

    
Irina Bernadsky (Ukrainian Mandolin) received her musical education at a prominent music conservatory in Kiev, Ukraine. After graduation, she worked as a music teacher in Kiev’s public school system until she emigrated to the United States in 1993. Here in Cincinnati, she has been performing music for the past 13 years. She also serves as Director of Activities at Wellspring Health Care Center. 

    
Steven F. Stuhlbarg (Classical Guitar and vocals) has been performing Jewish music at synagogues and simchas for the past 35 years. When he is not singing or playing guitar, he practices law in Cincinnati. Steve has been the director of the Cincinnati Klezmer Project since 2003. 

Clarence C. Young III (Producer). Clarence has produced The Cincinnati Klezmer Project's latest albums and is a resident of Dayton, Ohio. He is an accomplished composer, songwriter and performing artist in his own right dating back 40 years when he was a student at Bennett High School, Buffalo, NY.

"It was one of the most joyous, music filled, events I have attended in my life. It made Shul something that came alive with a sense of being there thousands of years ago by the light of a campfire giving praise to my God in prayer, dance and music the way it should be done." - Clarence C. Young III, Dayton, OH.

Shalom - Peace

Copyright © 2007, Clarence C. Young III. All rights reserved.  All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All music, artwork, graphics and text contained on this website is the property of Clarence C. Young III and may not be used, copied, distributed, circulated, in whole or in part, by manual or electronic means, without express, written consent of Clarence C. Young IIIi, Dayton, Ohio.