Alex Weiser (C&V 2017-19) and Ben Kaplan’s THE GREAT DICTIONARY OF THE YIDDISH LANGUAGE will receive it's World Premiere Production at YIVO Institute (15 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011) on September 18, 7:00 PM ET & 21, 1 PM ET, 2025.

The opera tells the remarkable true story of Yiddish linguist Yudel Mark’s unfinished effort to create a comprehensive Yiddish dictionary. 

Directed by Rebecca Miller Kratzer, the production will feature tenor Jason Weisinger, baritone Gideon Dabi, and mezzo-sopranos Kristin Gornstein, Kate Maroney, and Kelly Guerra. An ensemble featuring clarinet, string quintet, and piano will be led by conductor David Bloom. The production will feature scenic design by Michael Bennett Lewis, projection design by Camilla Tassi, lighting design by Stacey Boggs, and costume design by Matsy Stinson.

Tickets are free and can be registered at the following link:

Presented by YIVO in collaboration and with generous support from American Opera Projects, the League for Yiddish, and the American Society for Jewish Music; co-sponsored by Nusakh Vilne

The Great Dictionary of the Yiddish Language is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. America Opera Project’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. AOP’s programs are also made possible in part by the Howard Gilman Foundation.