Steven Greenman - Violinist, Educator, Composer

The Braided Candle The term Havdalah is the Jewish religious ceremony marking the distinction of the Sabbath from the rest of the week; night from day; spiritual from material. For “The Braided Candle” project, the specially-braided Havdalah candle represents the musical entwining of two seemingly “separate” musical folk traditions: Jewish and Chinese. Drawing from their own unique musical and cultural backgrounds, internationally renowned masters of traditional folk music, Steven Greenman (East European Jewish violin) and Gao Hong (Chinese pipa) expand the boundaries of traditional Jewish music through explorations of Jewish and Chinese musical improvisation, diverse and ancient musical modes, and contrasting rhythms. In this captivating collaboration, a newly created repertoire is presented combining elements of both music styles. Experimental arrangements feature the nuanced sounds of bowed and plucked strings. Together, Steven and Gao weave a braided tapestry of musical impulses, filling the listeners with delightful excitement and meditative contemplation.