Concert: 10 Centuries of Jewish Music byThe Zemel Choir

It is nearly 1000 years since Hebrew texts were first set to plainsong. In the ten centuries since then, Jewish composers have produced motets, cantatas and oratorios, in styles ranging from the late-Renaissance to the contemporary. This music provides the focus for the Zemel Choir’s second ‘Celebrate with Song’ event, which culminates in a concert at St John’s, Smith Square on June 15th 2008. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate our rich choral heritage. It is open to singers and audience members, Jews and non-Jews – anyone, in fact, with a love of music and a desire to experience music both old and new.

‘Celebrate with Song’ was launched in 2007 to enhance the profile of mixed-voice Jewish choral music. It is aimed at two groups of people: singers and audiences. We extend an invitation to anyone with experience of choral singing (however limited) to come and sing with us. We will be holding workshops for groups of Intermediate and Advanced choral singers on the 1st of June and the morning of the 15th of June, and all these singers will participate in the grand concert on the 15th. Our workshops are led by experienced choral directors, and also feature an opportunity to brush up on vocal technique with a trained, professional vocal coach.

Audiences are invited to come to our concert on June 15th. For those who usually experience Jewish music in synagogue, this is an opportunity to hear something different. For those who love listening to choral music in the concert hall, but are a little tired of Bruckner, this is an opportunity to hear music by composers such as Rossi and Sulzer, Grossi and Bernstein. The concert will feature performances by the Zemel Choir and the choir of JFS, as well as special performances by our workshop participants. The 2007 ‘Celebrate with Song’ was met with great acclaim, from both audiences and participants. Spurred on by this, we have arranged a second event for 2008. Come and share with us in the joy of Jewish choral music.

Celebrate with Song is generously sponsored by the Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, and presented in association with the Spiro Ark Institute.