Theodore Bikel
Bikel, a multi-faceted entertainer and Renaissance man in the arts, was born in Austria, lived in the Middle East during his teens and early 20s, was a co-founder of the Israeli Chamber Theater, and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England in 1948. His first theatrical performance was in Sir Laurence Olivier’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire on London’s West End, while his first on-screen role was in the classic 1951 film The African Queen. Among other notable screen credits are The Defiant Ones (for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a southern sheriff), Moulin Rouge, My Fair Lady, The Sands of the Kalahari and My Side of the Mountain. Bikel originated the role of Captain/Baron Von Trapp in the 1959 Broadway premiere of The Sound of Music, has performed the role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof more than 2,000 times, and is currently starring in a national tour of his own play, Sholom Aleichem: Laughter through Tears. He served a long stint as president of Actor’s Equity.
Bikel, who immigrated to the United States in 1954 and became a U.S. citizen in 1961, has been a folksinger since the mid-1950s. He helped to found the Newport Folk Festival and has sung and recorded folk songs from around the world during the course of his illustrious career. His deep appreciation for Eastern European, Israeli and Russian folklore has been reflected in his repertoire. An early interest in comparative linguistics and an understanding of nearly 20 languages has aided in his global appeal. Bikel has recorded more than 20 albums, including 16 for Elektra Records. He also wrote a book entitled Folksongs and Footnotes, as well as an autobiography entitled Theo.
Bikel has been an activist and advocate for peace, human rights and social justice for more than five decades. Among the causes he has championed are the civil rights movements in the U.S., eradicating Apartheid in South Africa, and promoting peace and religious pluralism among Israel and its neighbors. He formerly served on the board of Amnesty International (USA).
“Throughout my life, I have been equally passionate about music and social justice, and have allied myself with others who use guitars, banjos, fiddles and words to conquer fear and injustice,” said Bikel. “I can think of no better way to celebrate that life than a night of music with some of my nearest and dearest friends, and no more deserving cause than protecting the rights of our nation’s most vulnerable children.”
Proceeds from the concert, for which tickets range from $30 to $500, benefit the Juvenile Law Center, the oldest multi-issue public interest law firm for children in the country. The center, which provides legal services at no cost to its clients, works to protect children’s rights and interests in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Discounted tickets (20% off) are available by mentioning the code FOTB8155 when you purchase your tickets at the Carnegie Hall box office. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert can be ordered online at www.carnegiehall.org or by calling CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800.
During a reception preceding the “Theodore Bikel: The First 85 Years” tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall, AcousticMusicScene.com’s Michael Kornfeld chatted briefly with Bikel (left) and Peter Yarrow (right), while Tom Paxton and Susan Werner shared a laugh. (Photos by Walter Hansen).
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