Crossing a Sea of Stars: Zoë Aqua and Her Transylvanian String Band is the latest offering in the Neilsen Lecture Series in Judaic Studies, taking place on February 18 at 6 p.m. in Langroise Recital Hall. Sponsored by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and organized by Dr. Nick Underwood, Assistant Professor of History and Chair of Judaic Studies, the series brings two to four distinguished scholarly and artistic voices to campus each academic year.

This lecture-performance features fiddler Zoë Aqua and her Transylvanian String Band, who are touring the United States together for the very first time. Drawing on Aqua’s two years studying folk music in Transylvania as a Fulbright grantee, the ensemble blends klezmer and Yiddish musical traditions with the powerful rhythms and textures of Transylvanian string band music. Joined by acclaimed Romanian folk musicians Kálmán Szopos, Károly Dénes, and Gergely Réman, the group showcases rare instruments such as the brácsa (chordal viola) and full-size Hungarian cimbalom.

The Neilsen Lecture Series reflects the College’s commitment to holistic education by offering students and the broader community meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Events like this encourage engagement with new ideas and artistic expressions, strengthening campus dialogue and fostering a lifelong love of learning. This performance will appeal to fans of string band traditions, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish fiddle, and klezmer music, offering a truly unique cultural experience.

FREE to attend.