Biography

"Mames Babegenush has hit upon a winning combination of artistry and originality while simultaneously being faithful to the tradition and pushing the genre forward." - Keith Wolzinger, KlezmerPodcast

Mames Babegenush is The Old World meeting the present. It is Jewish dance music united with the new waves of modern music: a fresh blend that equals strong music which appeals to both heart and feet.

The six musicians, each rooted in different genres, meet with a common desire of digging deeper into the soul of klezmer, as well as reinterpreting, composing and contributing to the genre. Their stunning dynamical play makes their live performances highly unique and vivid.

Mames Babegenush is Modern Klezmer!

Starting out in 2005 the ensemble quickly gained a reputation dazzling both audience and critics and was in 2008 selected to the Carnegie Hall Young Artist Program by David Krakauer, Alicia Svigals, Michael Alpert and Josh Dolgin (SoCalled).

In 2009 Mames Babegenush released its much acclaimed debut album "Klezmer Killed the Radio Star" which was nominated for the Danish World Music Awards.

One of the ensemble's career highlights to date is its participation in The 2nd International Jewish Music Competition in Amsterdam, October 2010. As the only ensemble it was the winner of three prizes - the Jury's Special Prize for cultural bridge building in music, the Booker's Prize and the biggest prize of all The Audience Prize for best live performance.

During Mames Babegenush's career, it has played at some of the most storied venues and festivals world wide such as Carnegie Hall (New York), The Royal Danish Theater, The Danish National Concert Hall (DR Koncerthuset), The DROMA Festival '08 (New York), KlezFiesta ´09 (Argentina), VEGA (DK), Roskilde Festival (DK), POPKOMM '10 (Berlin), KlezMore (Vienna), Yiddish Heritage Festival (Bucharest), Paradiso (Amsterdam).

Performances have included some of the most renowned artists like David Krakauer (U.S.), Gogol Bordello (U.S.), SoCalled (CAN), Yuri Yunakov (BGR/U.S.), Christian Dawid (GER), The William Blakes (DK), Middle East Peace Orchestra (DK/GER/U.S./PSE/ISR), Hess Is More (DK) and Kenneth Bager (DK).

In January 2012 Mames Babegenush is to release an EP containing new material and remix from acclaimed artists from the electronica scene, includinding Max Pashm, Hess Is More, Shazalakazoo and Danish Producer Pharfar.

Releases:
OY! (EP) //2006
Klezmer Killed the Radio Star //2009
Mehanata: Home of Gypsy-Jews (Compilation) //2009
My Heart Aches When the Angels Dance //2011
Full Moons & Pay Days - the remixes//2012
Bandmembers:
Emil Goldschmidt: Clarinet, vocal, percussion
Lukas Rande: Saxophones, vocal
Bo Rande: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Omnichord, vocal, percussion
Nicolai Kornerup: Accordeon, Synth, vocal
Andreas Møllerhøj: Bass, Synth, vocal
Christian Hørsted: Drums, vocal