Thanks for looking in on The Big Schmear. Our episode this month is with award-winning author, Elizabeth Graver. We will be talking about her most recent book, entitled Kantika. And, although we do spend some time talking about the story of Kantika – which I found incredibly engaging for a number of reasons: I loved the time and place of the story, I fell in love with the main character and along the way I learned about the life of a Jewish family from Turkey and her life’s journey that brought her to the US. It was not a simple travel story.

If I were to characterize the focus of our conversation, I would say we talked a great deal about the story behind the book; the story of how Elizabeth came to write this book, a novel, based on her grandmother’s life. I hope you’ll dip into the conversation so you can get a better sense of the author behind this beautiful book. And if you haven’t read it yet – it’s a great time to find a copy at your library or favorite local book shop. And if you have read this book, look up a few of Elizabeth Gravers’ past works. She’s a wonderful writer.

Happy Listening, Everyone.

I’m so glad to have you along for this episode of The Big Schmear. My guest today, Jeanne Golan, is not only a special friend but also a wonderful pianist. And it’s because of her playing that I have invited her to be my guest. This episode is in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and I knew that Jeanne’s project, Recovered Voices, would be exactly the right focus. We talk quite a bit about her project; how it came to be, where it’s taken her musically, and how she has been able to bring these compositions to life for all of us to hear when most certainly if not for her work these composers and their work would have been lost. We will focus on 3 specific composers from Recovered Voices, a bit about their personal story and their music. I decided to change the format a bit so you would have the opportunity to listen to three short works by each of the composers without interruption. I hope you enjoy the story of Recovered Voices, Jeanne’s wonderful playing and of course, the music!
Make a cup of tea or reach for a glass of your favorite wine and …

Happy Listening, Everyone.

It’s still fall! New England is in that in-between time; beautiful sunny days with temps going back and forth between unseasonably warm and yikes, it really will be winter soon.
It’s on the ‘gonna get colder’ days that I think about my recent times at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and how this is the perfect time to share with you my conversation with their curator, Simona Di Nepi. She will be talking about her unique position at the MFA and the new Judaica gallery.
As you’ll soon find out, she is an extraordinary guide. Along with her expertise and passion about her work she manages to share a contagious enthusiasm for each and every piece in their collection. Before you know it, you’ll be adding Boston and the MFA to the top of your ‘where to visit next’ list.
BTW, you are also able to experience some of what the MFA has to offer right from your very own electronic devise. Be sure to catch the end of the podcast when Simona will share this information with you.

Happy Listening, Everyone.