Biography of Kaila Flexer
Flexer is a violinist, composer and music educator. She is half of the
duo Teslim (with multi-instrumentalist Gari Hegedus) who performs Sephardic,
Greek, Turkish and original music. Teslim
released their (self-titled) debut CD in December, 2008. Flexer is Artistic
Director of Pomegranates & Figs:
A Feast of Jewish Music, which was presented by Cal Performances
on December 20, 2008 at Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley, California). As Artistic
Director of Worldview Cultural Performances,
a non-profit arts organization, Flexer founded and produced Klezmer
Mania!, a much-loved annual Bay Area Jewish music event for over 10
years (1989-2002). She has been at the helm of bands such as Third
Ear, Next Village and
Kaila Flexer’s Fieldharmonik,
ensembles that feature her original material. As a composer, her work
reflects her deep respect for folk music, while showcasing her ability
to create new and expansive musical landscapes. She has performed both
nationally internationally with her own ensembles as well as with groups
including The Hollis Taylor-Kaila Flexer Duo, The Flexer-Marshall Duo,
Club Foot Orchestra, The Composer’s Cafeteria, The Bay Area Jazz Composer’s
Orchestra, Kitka Women’s
Vocal Ensemble and with Persian singer Hamed Nikpay. She has recorded
two CD’s of original music for Compass Records (Nashville) to critical
acclaim. In addition to performing, Flexer teaches violin and composition
in her Oakland studio and as well as teaching a variety of workshops.
Kaila lives in Oakland, California with her nine-year-old daughter who
is a budding fiddler, ballerina and all-around crafts-girl.
The following organizations have awarded Flexer commissions: Creative Work Fund, Meet the Composer, American Composers Forum and City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program.