Accordionsts will perform at the 25th Chutzpah! Festival, held at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from November 12th to 23rd, 2025.
“The Chutzpah! Festival: The Lisa Nemetz Festival of International Jewish Performing Arts is an annual festival of world-renowned dance, music, theatre, and comedy, through a lens of Jewish experiences, stories, and values in all their richness and diversity, creating unforgettable and unique experiences for audiences throughout the Lower Mainland. We foster artistic dialogue and collaboration between Jewish and non-Jewish artists and communities. The Festival offers artistic residencies, outreach programs, and other professional arts programming of interest throughout the year.”
Accordion events
November 15th and 16th at 7.30pm: Take This Waltz – Celebrating the music of Leonard Cohen – “an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and stunning visuals. Originally presented in 2022, Chutzpah! and Vancouver Opera invite you to welcome back this celebration of Canadian icon Leonard Cohen. Staged by internationally acclaimed director and choreographer Idan Cohen of Ne.Sans Opera & Dance, Take This Waltz offers “an exquisite blend of music and movement that feels both intimate and monumental” (Georgia Straight).”
“Featuring the world-renowned Canadian bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch, dancer and musician Ted Littlemore, and a chamber ensemble of cello, violin, and accordion, the work will bring to life Cohen’s lyrics in ways you would never expect.” Presented in Partnership with Vancouver Opera
November 23rd at 7.30pm: Yiddish Songs of Social Change – “Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Klezmatics or are interested in experiencing klezmer for the first time, Yiddish Songs of Social Change will captivate you with its musical flair in Yiddish and English. Seven world-class European and American musicians create The Golden Thread Septet, an ensemble that takes audiences through the compelling role of music in the struggle for justice and equality.”
“From intimate folk ballads to rousing theatre tunes, each song was chosen to illuminate the complex relationship between community, identity, and social change. Featuring new arrangements by Craig Judelman and vocalists Lorin Sklamberg and Sasha Lurje, this concert will take you on a ride from the past to the present.” Sponsored by The Weinberg Residence and Royal Bank of Canada.
Chutzpah! Festival’s music programming is supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia.
