The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring mourns the passing of Adrienne Cooper -- a dear friend and colleague, a passionate social justice activist, and an inspirational performer. Adrienne's voice, extensive knowledge, high energy, humor, and sharp insights will be sorely missed.

Read tributes to Adrienne in The New York Times, The Jewish Week, and The Forward.

Long before she joined us, Adrienne played a large role in the revival of Klezmer music as a popular art form. She was widely recognized as one of the world's leading vocalists of Yiddish song. The New York Times called her voice "splendid." Her true love of Yiddishkeit shone through in each and every concert.

Adrienne attracted followers from around the globe with her renditions of both classical and cutting-edge compositions. With each performance she furthered the audience's appreciation of her treasured Jewish cultural heritage. The Workmen's Circle was fortunate to have her as one of our own and we count ourselves as beyond lucky to share so many musical celebrations with her over the years.

For over a decade Adrienne shaped and led the Workmen's Circle program agenda. As Director of External Affairs she was among the first modern Jewish community professionals to implement a collaborative programming model that yielded timely partnerships with both emerging and established artists. She effectively transmitted the vibrancy of our shared progressive values in all the activities she produced for our signature schools, intergenerational camp programs, ever-popular summer concerts, and activist cultural Seders. Adrienne connected thousands of people with their Jewish roots in a spirit of joy and inclusiveness.

Adrienne's legacy and the pathways she developed will continue to inspire people of all ages to discover the power of their cultural Jewish identity and progressive values.

The Workmen's Circle expresses heartfelt sympathies to Adrienne's family, her dear friends, and her many fans. May her memory be a blessing to all.