The Simcha Klezmer Band came into existence in Ostrava in summer 2007. The founding members Gabriela, Krystyna and Lenka got to know each other in the female vocal ensemble Adash at the University of Ostrava that performed Jewish music. They were also members of the ensemble Adash Klezmer Ostrava. As members of the latter, they took part in the KlezFest masterclasses in Jewish music at the London Jewish Music Institute in summer 2007.

Later on, they separated and founded their own Klezmer band. Given the name Simcha, the band made their debut performance on 6 Feburary, 2008 at Gabriela’s Graduation Concert. Several months passed marked by changing formation of the band until Simcha found its present formation in December 2008.

No matter if music teachers or performing artists in various ensembles, most of the members are professional musicians. And even though they have various musical backgrounds, they eventually came together to perform Jewish music.

Simcha, the name of the band, comes from Hebrew and means joy. So our aim is to bring at least as much joy and pleasure to our audience as we have ourselves while playing Klezmer music.

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