Dear Friend of Zamir, July greetings! It’s summer, but the music and the merriment don’t stop for the Zamir Chorale of Boston. Here is a snapshot of our latest doings — our upcoming outdoor concert in Newton Centre, plus a sneak preview of the 2006-2007 season. This Sunday, July 23! A Midsummer Night's Treat
In case you missed our June concert at Sanders
Theatre (see below), now’s your chance to catch a
piece of Psalmsensation (and much more)! On
Sunday, July 23, join Josh Jacobson and Zamir at the
free
Newton Arts in the
Park outdoor concert series on the Newton
Centre Green (at Centre Street and Langley Road)
from 6:15 to 8:15. Hear Prof. Emmett Price of
Northeastern University lead his rousing gospel
medley, “Joyful Noise of Praise,” and enjoy vibrant
settings of Psalm 150 by Israeli composer Tzvi Avni
and Brazil’s Ernesto Aguiar.
Joining the Chorale as soloist in several of his own compositions is popular cantor and songwriter Jeff Klepper, founder of Kol B’Seder. The program includes works by Randall Thompson and Shlomo Carlebach as well as popular tunes from the 1930s and ’40s, such as “Ba Mir Bistu Sheyn.” Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and be prepared to sing along! (Note: In case of rain, the concert may be canceled.)
Psalmsensation Rocks the House on June 4
Over 700 people cheered and clapped
for “Psalmsensation: A Multiethnic Concert
Experience” last month at Sanders Theatre—an
electrifying event that Zamirniks, guest artists, and
audience alike agreed was one of the Chorale’s
all-time best. Infused with imaginative staging and
unusual vocal-instrumental groupings, the spirited
program showcased a variety of psalm settings from
ancient to contemporary, romantic to rhythmic,
including the East Coast premiere of Andrew
Bleckner’s “Halleluyah” and the world premiere of
Emmett Price’s “Joyful Noise of Praise.”
Ken Radnofsky, internationally acclaimed BSO saxophonist who performed in a moving rendition of Psalm 114, wrote to Josh after the event: “I can tell you positively, that playing with your group is the healthiest musical experience, as well as the most wonderful musical experience of my career. Musically, the idea that all the psalms belong together, work together in all of the different settings from all of the different faiths and languages, the seamless way all is presented, and the general good humor of all is so inspiring.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Among Maestro Jacobson's many Summer 2006
activities was an engagement at BIMA,
the Berkshire Institute for Music and Arts, on the
campus of Williams College in Williamstown,
Massachusetts. The summer camp for young people
in grades 8-11 is set in a pluralistic Jewish community
where teenagers can combine their passion for the
arts with a Jewish enrichment. Josh enjoyed teaching
a master class with the choir and gave a lecture to
the entire camp on what it means to be a “Jewish
artist.”
(Photo: Josh with Ayelet Cohen, BIMA’s vocal
teacher)
Season Preview 2006-2007
What's next? After an August hiatus, Zamir returns
to home base at Hebrew College to launch our 38th
season.
We’re looking for a few good singers! If you are interested in joining Zamir this year, come to our open rehearsals at Hebrew College on Tuesday, September 12 and 19 from 7:15-10 p.m. Individual auditions will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 and Monday, September 25, by appointment only. Please call 617- 244-6333 to set up a time. On December 17, Temple Emanuel in Newton will host the annual Hanukkah Happens event, featuring “Songs of Israel.” Also in December, we will sponsor an Open Sing of Handel’s powerful oratorio Judas Maccabeus, with professional soloists. You are invited to join as a singer or just as a listener. Vocal scores will be available at the door. (Stay tuned for the exact date.) At the Jewish Community Center in Newton, Zamir partners with the band known as Philip Pemberton & HouseQuake for “Jews and Blues” on January 27 and 28, 2007. Known for their “New Bosstown Sound,” a potent brew of Soul, Funk, and R&B, the group includes Hebrew College’s own Nathaniel Stringfield on drums. “For years we’ve been trying to make this collaboration happen,” notes Josh Jacobson. “It will be a Midwinter Night’s Treat — not to be missed!” On March 18, Zamir will co-host the 2007 New England Jewish Choral Festival. For more information, please contact Hebrew College’s Jewish Music Institute ( dbuhr@hebrewcollege.edu). Save the Date! Mark your calendars now for June 3, 2007 – we’ll be back at Sanders Theatre for our annual Spring Concert. This year we’ll be joined by Kol B’Seder, led by world-renowned songwriters Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander.
We send you peaceful wishes and warmest summer greetings. Deborah Sosin, Editor Barbara Gaffin, Managing Director
Zamir Chorale of Boston
email:
manager@zamir.org
phone:
(617)244-6333
web:
http://www.zamir.org
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