MUSICIANS
Queen City Klezmorim is a Klezmer band specializing in traditional Klezmer and Yiddish music based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our members are experienced musicians who all share the passion for the traditions and legacy of Yiddish culture and history. The group has performed at the Taft Museum, at Christ Church Cathedral, Arnold’s Bar & Grill, the Carnegie Theatre, Cincinnati Music Hall Lobby, and the Netherland Hilton, besides local synagogues and retirement homes.
Claire Lee, Piano/Flute
Claire Lee is a graduate of UC’s College-Conservatory of Music with a Master of Music degree in Piano Accompanying. She is a founding member of the Queen City Klezmorim and loves playing Jewish/Israeli/Yiddish/Ladino music.
Claire also enjoys playing flute in local community bands, and keyboards for the New Horizons Dixieland Band. She directs the High Holiday choir at Northern Hills Synagogue and plays for community events at the JCC. On Sunday mornings she can be found at the organ and piano of Zion UCC church in Norwood.
Laura Sabo, Clarinet
Dr. Laura Sabo is a freelance musician and clarinet teacher in the greater Cincinnati area. She performs regularly with Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Valley Symphony, and is the clarinetist for School House Symphony- a non-profit organization that has been bringing educational concerts to kids in schools for almost 50 years. She holds a DMA degree in Clarinet from UC’s College-Conservatory of Music.
Gayna Bassin, Violin
Gayna Mandelbaum Bassin is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and Indiana University, where she studied with violin pedagogues Ivan Galamian, Josef Gingold, Jascha Brodsky and Jaime Laredo. She was a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s First Violin section for twenty years. She enjoys performing as soloist and chamber musician, teaches traditional violin and viola in her private studio, and serves on the boards of Matinée Musicale Cincinnati and Chamber Music Network.
Chris Novy, Drums
Chris Novy has been playing drums since elementary school and has been playing semi-professionally for most of his life. He was a member of the original Cincinnati Klezmer Project that began in 1997 and is thrilled to be playing Klezmer again! When he is not playing drums he works in the exhibits department at Cincinnati Museum Center.
Authentic Klezmer Experience
Queen City Klezmorim brings decades of musical expertise to every performance. Our band members are dedicated to preserving the rich klezmer tradition while infusing it with fresh energy that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Available for Events & Concerts
Whether you’re planning a cultural festival, wedding, or community event, our ensemble adapts to your needs, delivering lively and memorable klezmer music that enhances any occasion in the Queen City.
Passionate Musicians
Connect with Queen City Klezmorim to bring authentic Jewish musical heritage to your next event. Our performances are crafted to inspire joy, celebration, and a deep appreciation for klezmer’s timeless spirit.
