Events

The musical Fiddler on the Roof is perhaps one of the most unlikely success stories in Broadway history. Indeed, producers were initially skeptical about bringing this story to the theater, with the broad sentiment that a show set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia was “too Jewish” for theatergoers.

Eventually, this masterpiece would premier in 1964 and win numerous awards and plaudits. Since then, it has enjoyed perennial popularity, with countless tours, revivals, community, and international productions.

During this program, Musicologist Gil Harel discusses the show's history, with an emphasis on Composer Jerry Bock's enchanting score. From the piano, Gil will illustrate salient elements of the music, and demonstrate how text and tone marry so harmoniously in this unforgettable musical.

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. He is Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.

The musical Fiddler on the Roof is perhaps one of the most unlikely success stories in Broadway history. Indeed, producers were initially skeptical about bringing this story to the theater, with the broad sentiment that a show set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia was “too Jewish” for theatergoers.

Eventually, this masterpiece would premier in 1964 and win numerous awards and plaudits. Since then, it has enjoyed perennial popularity, with countless tours, revivals, community, and international productions.

During this program, Musicologist Gil Harel discusses the show's history, with an emphasis on Composer Jerry Bock's enchanting score. From the piano, Gil will illustrate salient elements of the music, and demonstrate how text and tone marry so harmoniously in this unforgettable musical.

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. He is Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.