Simcha Klezmer: Bringing Joy Live

...with our two albums

Simcha currently has two albums of klezmer music available. These can be purchased at any of our live shows. Our self-titled first album was released in 2020 can be listened to and downloaded on Bandcamp.

Our latest album 'Fezovka' released in 2024 is available on all streaming and downloading platforms. Its name refers to a personal story...

Simcha was created in 2017 by accordionist Robin Young. His father was one of the Kindertransport children who was rescued from certain death by Nicholas Winton. Robin’s grandparents owned and ran a textile factory in Teplice, Czechoslovakia, which was requisitioned by the Nazis and subsequently they perished in one of the camps.

The factory specialised in making fezzes for the Turkish market which were boxed in sizes before dispatch. Many of the end users were illiterate and relied on highly decorative labels to determine which style they wanted, what size they needed and from which preferred maker. The label was known as a fezovka and is used now, in tribute to Robin’s grandparents. The front cover features the splendid image of an original pre-war fezovka.

...with our live performances

Simcha offers two concerts, each guaranteed to take you on an emotional journey, celebrating the love of life and all that it brings. 'Simcha' is in fact Yiddish for 'celebration' and our performances certainly capture this feeling.

Our standard concert consists of two 45 minute halves with a broad selection of music and songs from the Baltics to the Balkans.

For a more powerful show we offer The Kindertransport Concert.
This is an evening of two distinct halves.
Part 1 is 'Kindertransport – The Concert Documentary' which tells the moving story of Nicholas Winton's work to save the lives of thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-led doom. This audio-visual performance includes music specially composed to accompany the images, and readings that complete this poignant episode in Jewish history.
Part 2 is Simcha playing the music and songs these communities will have heard in their daily lives. Songs of joy, protest and lively dance tunes.

...for festivals

Simcha can provide a tailor-made set of any duration to suit a festival stage, whether it's for a folk, world, roots, themed or village festival.

Why Choose Simcha for Your Klezmer Experience?

What sets Simcha apart is our passion for connecting audiences with the joyous spirit of klezmer music through exceptional musicianship and personalized service. Based in Lincoln but performing across the UK, we bring a vibrant cultural tradition to a wide range of venues and celebrations. Our enthusiasm for creating lively, interactive performances ensures audiences are entertained and inspired, making Simcha the ideal choice for those seeking genuine klezmer music with a contemporary touch.