Klezmer and the Cello – a personal story

Klezmer and the Cello – a personal story

Francesca Ter-Berg • Margate

Drawing on archives, source material and anecdotes from her travels and studies, Francesca leads a historical and entertaining journey into Klezmer music — tracing its development from the fidl kapelyes of the Eastern European shtetls, through the 1970s revival, to how the tradition is evolving today. Weaving in her own philosophy and approach, the story starts with the cello and a chance encounter in 2007. This interactive talk explores Francesca’s personal relationship to the musical tradition, interspersed with performance and audio-visual examples of her research. The audience is invited not only to listen, but to participate, discovering how klezmer continues to connect people across generations, cultures, and communities.

Francesca Ter-Berg is a cellist, composer and producer blending Klezmer, improvisation and electronic synthesis into a one-of-a-kind sound. Having studied with renowned musicians including Frank London, Stuart Brotman and Tcha Limberger, she has adapted Klezmer, Transylvanian and Romanian traditions to the cello. Her acclaimed duo Fran & Flora released Precious Collection in 2024 (Guardian Top 10 Folk Albums). She performs and teaches worldwide, co-directs the Yiddish cultural organisation KlezMargate, and is Professor of Electronic and Produced Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.