Lysander Jaffe ’20 MM Featured in WBUR Article Ahead of New Album Release

Published on March 10, 2026

Violinist and vocalist Lysander Jaffe ’20 MM is featured in a recent article by WBUR highlighting the upcoming album Levyosn’s Dream by the Boston-based Jewish music ensemble Levyosn. The recording explores the rich traditions of Yiddish song while bringing a contemporary chamber-music sensibility to the repertoire.

Founded by singer-songwriter Adah Hetko and Jaffe, Levyosn blends traditional Jewish musical styles with original compositions. Core members Lexi Ugelow (voice, piano, guitar) and Raffi Boden (cello, voice) join the founders on the album, along with additional guest artists. The project features a dozen pieces that range from harmony-rich Yiddish ballads to lively chamber-style horas, combining folk traditions with contemporary musical textures.

A central theme of Levyosn’s Dream is the beauty and restorative power of the natural world, an idea long present in Jewish cultural and spiritual traditions. The album will be released on Borscht Beat, a label known for championing innovative Jewish musical artists.

The recording is scheduled for release in May, with the exact date to be announced. Levyosn will celebrate the album with a release performance on June 4 at Club Passim, a renowned venue for folk and acoustic music in the Boston area.

Congratulations, Lysander, on your achievement! 

Other news

Wendy Eisenberg '16 MM on the Cover of The Wire Magazine

March 3, 2026
NEC alum Wendy Eisenberg '16 MM was featured on the cover of the new issue of UK music magazine, The Wire. The written piece by Stewart Smith dives into Wendy's new introspective self-titled solo album, among their many other collaborative projects.Wendy Eisenberg has spent the past decade as a fixture of independent music and an artist of inspired multiplicity. As a singer-songwriter, improviser,

Danny Koo ’14, ’16 MM Makes Carnegie Hall Debut

March 16, 2026
Korean American violinist Danny Koo ’14, ’16 MM made his debut at Carnegie Hall this season, appearing for the first time in the venue’s intimate Zankel Hall. Known for his dynamic stage presence and broad reach across both the international concert stage and Korean media, Koo continues to build a reputation for combining artistic depth with a contemporary, audience-focused vision.For the performa