Klezmer Music

Dr. Merryl Goldberg grew up inspired by music. Her parents wanted her to learn guitar, but she always had a soft spot in her heart for the saxophone and would sneak in lessons whenever possible. Eventually, her parents gave in, and after graduation, Merryl launched a 13-year career preforming with the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Soon she discovered her passion for music education and serves as professor at San Marcos State University in Southern California. Merryl provides training and lectures for other teachers to develop the curriculum for arts education.

Lily Henley delivered a captivating, sold-out performance at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music in May 2025, showcasing many of her original songs alongside violinist Duncan Wickel. The duo enchanted the audience with selections from their album of Sephardic Jewish ballads—music rooted in the Ladino language and influenced by the rich cultural traditions of Spanish, Arabic, and Turkish communities. Lily’s deep connection to this centuries-old heritage is evident in her passionate reinterpretations and thoughtful lyrical additions, which breathe new life into songs of both joy and sorro

Duncan Wickel is a dynamic and versatile string instrumentalist, known for his mastery of the fiddle, cello, and viola—each of which he has artfully adapted across a wide range of musical genres. Raised in a musically rich household, Duncan gained early insight into the mechanics of instruments through his father, a skilled repair technician at a local music store. Inspired by his aunt to pick up the violin, he performed with the Asheville Symphony by age 14 and soon launched a career as an in-demand session musician. A passionate admirer of Irish music, Duncan realized a dream wh