“The Great Dictionary of the Yiddish Language” is set to make its world premiere on Thursday, September 21, 2025, at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in New York City. This highly anticipated opera, composed by Alex Weiser and Ben Kaplan, will be presented in collaboration with American Opera Projects, the League for Yiddish, and the American Society for Jewish Music. It weaves a tragic-comic narrative around Yiddish linguist Yudel Mark’s ambitious attempt to create a comprehensive Yiddish dictionary.
The opera, which has a runtime of 50 minutes, is directed by Rebecca Miller Kratzer and features a talented cast including tenor Jason Weisinger, baritone Gideon Dabi, and mezzo-sopranos Kristin Gornstein, Kate Maroney, and Kelly Guerra. David Bloom will conduct an ensemble that includes a clarinet, string quartet, and piano, promising a rich and immersive musical experience.
The Story Behind the Opera
The narrative of “The Great Dictionary of the Yiddish Language” delves into the life and challenges faced by Yudel Mark, a real-life figure known for his dedication to preserving and documenting the Yiddish language. The opera captures the essence of his struggle, set against the backdrop of a language and culture that has endured significant historical upheavals.
Yiddish, once the lingua franca of millions of Jews in Eastern Europe, faced near extinction during the Holocaust. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent decades, fueled by cultural and academic interest. The opera not only highlights Mark’s personal journey but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the Yiddish language and its speakers.
From Workshop to Premiere
The opera was initially workshopped last year at the renowned Bang on a Can, a contemporary music organization known for its innovative and boundary-pushing projects. This workshop phase allowed the creators to refine the piece, ensuring it resonates with audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with Yiddish culture.
According to Rebecca Miller Kratzer, the director, the workshop was an invaluable opportunity to explore the opera’s themes and characters. “It was important for us to honor the linguistic and cultural nuances of Yiddish while making the story accessible to a broader audience,” she noted.
A Collaborative Effort
The production is a result of collaboration among several esteemed organizations. American Opera Projects, known for developing and presenting new operatic works, has played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. The League for Yiddish and the American Society for Jewish Music have also contributed their expertise, ensuring the opera’s authenticity and cultural integrity.
The involvement of these organizations underscores the significance of the opera in the context of Jewish cultural preservation and education. It highlights a shared commitment to celebrating and sustaining Yiddish as a vibrant and living language.
Looking Ahead
Following its premiere, another performance is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, offering audiences an additional opportunity to experience this unique operatic work. The production’s debut at the YIVO Institute, a leading center for the study of Eastern European Jewish culture, is particularly fitting given its mission to preserve and promote Yiddish language and culture.
As the opera takes the stage, it not only entertains but also educates, inviting audiences to reflect on the historical and cultural significance of Yiddish. It stands as a poignant reminder of the language’s enduring legacy and the ongoing efforts to keep it alive for future generations.
The premiere of “The Great Dictionary of the Yiddish Language” marks a significant moment in the cultural calendar, promising to captivate and inspire audiences with its blend of history, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.