"Ladino will die soon. There are currently less than 200,000 people worldwide who speak it on a daily basis, and they are all 60,70, 80 years old. But, it can live on in these songs." Yasmin Levy
A remarkable show tonight at Pace University's Schimmel Center, where Israeli singer Yasmin Levy presented a concert of songs in the ancient language of Ladino: a by-product of the Spanish-Jewish diaspora caused when Spanish Jews were expelled from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella some five centuries ago. Dressed in a flowing black silk dress, Levy was exotic and captivating, with a pure, passionate voice that sounded like a cross between Edith Piaf and Estrella Morente. Indeed, Levy's music is deeply rooted in Flamenco, tinged with the melancholy of characters who "either were killed or committed suicide," as she put it.
Joining Levy mid-set was the Turkish singer/multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek: a master of traditional wind instruments such as the ney and zurna. In her introduction, Levy had nothing by praise for Tekbelik's soulful musicianship, calling him "the greatest musical partner I've ever had." (Hopefully her husband, Ishay Amir – who plays percussion in the band – didn't feel slighted.) Also backing Levy were musicians from Israel, Ghana, Romania, and Los Angeles. "I collect them," she said with a wink.
As for the Schimmel Center, it's about what you might expect of a 40-year old institutional theater: clean sight lines, hideous, bubble-like interior with absolutely no leg room. But, with upcoming concerts by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Laurie Anderson and Patricia Racette, I might just have to figure out a way to squeeze myself into those rigid metal seats a few more times.
More pics on the photo page.