Meet our Artist of the Week – Avigail Malachi-Baev!
Avigail will perform at our May 15th family concert at B’nai Jeshurun. And at the May 12th MusicTalks: Fantasy for Clarinet, Cello and Piano concert at the German Consulate in New York!
We sat down with Avigail to get to know her a little bit better and this is what we learned!
MT: What drew you initially to the clarinet and to Klezmer Music?
Avigail: The clarinet was actually chosen for me, my first preference was the saxophone. I feel lucky however, since the clarinet turned out to be the perfect instrument for me. As for Klezmer, hard to say, 8 years ago I didn’t think i could play this type of music, but one enthusiastic David Krakauer and a bunch of wonderful colleagues helped me realize Klezmer music is part of my instrument’s nature and I was happy to adopt it into my musical language.
MT: What is your favorite setting to perform in?
Avigail: I think I am naturally drawn to large stages so I prefer to play either in concert halls or outdoors. I like performing for as many people as possible.
MT: What would you have liked to do if you had to pick another profession?
Avigail: There are so many options to choose from but I would have to say – Yoga instructor!
MT: Do you have any hidden talents?
Avigail: I think I’m a pretty good cook
MT: How does a first time audience usually react to the genre you play?
Avigail: The first thing you can sense is the physical reaction the audience has once the music starts. The rhythm is usually upbeat and it effects the listeners immediately! I believe that Klezmer music is also very emotional and even if you have no past experience listening to it, it leaves an enormous impression.
MT: What is one of your most memorable musical experiences?
Avigail: I was in my senior year in high school, and I attended a youth orchestra competition in Israel (I was the soloist with the same piece we will play next week), I was terrified to go on stage but after much persuasion I made it and played very well – and won!
