Ger Mandolin Orchestra
The Ger Mandolin Ensemble, 2011 is a project memorializing the Jewish mandolin orchestra active in Góra Kalwaria, Poland in the 1920s and 1930s. Avner Yonai, the grandson of one of the few members to survive the war, has joined forces with the Jewish Music Festival in organizing this musical tribute. By celebrating the ensemble’s spirit through music inspired by mandolin repertoire of the time as well as new arrangements, we remember the lives lost, but also give new life to their musical world.
Mike Marshall and the Jewish Music Festival have assembled a mandolin orchestra comprised of an outstanding cast of musicians including Avi Avital, Eric Stein, Jeff Warshauer, Tim Connell, Chris Acquavella, Sharon Gilchrist, Brian Oberlin, Dana Rath, Adam Rozkiewicz & Radim Zenkl.
The powerful story of Avner Yonai’s discovery of his family’s role in the Ger Mandolin Orchestra is detailed in this article published by Tablet Magazine and the following video, which includes footage from the 26th Jewish Music Festival.
The Story of Ger Mandolin Orchestra and their Journey to Poland
Ger Mandolin Orchestra’s Performance at Warsaw’s Singer Festival, Sept. 4th, 2011
For more information, contact Avner Yonai, Orchestra Founder at ayonai “at” hotmail “dot” com