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Revisiting our late beloved Jerry Bock’s smash Broadway musical!
“Unconventional Tradition: Inside the Score of Fiddler on the Roof”
Based on Sholom Aleichem’s Tevye and his Daughters¸ the musical that became Jerry Bock’s Fiddler on the Roof is perhaps one of the most unlikely success stories in Broadway history. Indeed, producers were initially skeptical about bringing this to the theater, with the broad sentiment that a show set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia was “too Jewish” for theatergoers. Eventully, Bock and Harnick’s masterpiece would premier in 1964, winning numerous awards and plaudits, and giving Jerome Robbins a very special swan song. Since then, it has enjoyed perennial popularity, with countless tours, revivals, community, and international productions. During this program, Musicologist Gil Harel will discuss the show’s history, with an emphasis on composer Jerry Bock’s enchanting score. From the piano, he will illustrate salient elements of the music, and demonstrate how text and tone marry so harmoniously in this unforgettable musical. Please join us! You won’t want to miss this exciting presentation focusing on just one of Jerry Bock’s famous Broadway musicals!
Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”). Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with numerous Merit Awards for Exemplary Service to the College. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.
Please register below. Registration guarantees a spot in the program Registration does not guarantee a parking spot. The library encourages carpooling as much as possible.