Gabriel Kahane's musical metamorphosis

Gabriel Kahane
Gabriel Kahane originally attended the New England Conservatory of Music to study jazz piano, but ended up being drawn to the theater, and the guitar. He draws on all his interests for his new piece "Prayers for the Union Dead" which he'll perform with the Music Ensemble this weekend in Minneapolis.
MPR photo/Euan Kerr

Gabriel Kahane is a singer, guitarist and composer who's just as comfortable performing in Lincoln Center in New York as in the 400 Bar in Minneapolis.

He's done both recently, presenting his unique mixture of indie rock and classical music.

Kahane has written for his band, for theater, and even for his father, pianist and conductor Jeffrey Kahane.

He's perhaps best known for his "Craigslistlieder," songs, based on actual postings from the popular on-line advertising site. He's lauded as one of the great young talents of our time.

On Friday and Saturday he'll sings and play his more classically oriented song cycle "Prayers for the Union Dead" at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis.

Kahane told Euan Kerr just as he was commissioned to do the piece, he heard from some old friends.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.