Dear Friend of Zamir,

Auditions are complete, the repertoire is set, and our 38th season is in full swing with an ensemble of 48 talented singers! In this edition, we're delighted to share news about our upcoming concerts and educational programs as well as some exciting collaborations with the diverse Boston community.

On Sunday, November 19, 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, Zamir's popular series for youngsters returns, led by Artistic Director Joshua Jacobson. The program includes a sparkling selection of tunes and vocal demonstrations, with lots of audience participation -- and some surprises! On the program are Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So," Emmett Price's rousing medley of psalms in gospel style, "Joyful Noise of Praise," and a special "Israel edition" of Ernst Toch's 60-year-old rap, "Geographical Fugue."

Bring your kids to *zing* along -- and discover the richness of Jewish choral music -- with Josh and friends. For directions, please go to www.tiofnatick.org. Tickets: $8 Adults, $5 Children, free under age 3. Funded in part by the David E. Moeser Trust.

Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 pm,Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton: Considered one of his greatest oratorios, George Frideric Handel's triumphant Judas Maccabaeus, which premiered in 1747, celebrates the victories of Jewish loyalists over Antiochus in 165 BCE. You are invited to attend Zamir's first Open Sing of this magnificent work, with Zamir's own Edwin Swanborn, pianist, guest instrumentalists, and four of Boston's finest soloists: Karyl Ryczek, soprano; Lynn Torgove, alto; Charles Blandy, tenor; David Kravitz, bass.

"An Open Sing provides an opportunity for singers of all ages and degrees of talent to experience the thrill of artistic re-creation in a supportive environment, without the stress of preparing for a concert performance," says Joshua Jacobson.

Singers of all abilities and listeners welcome! Vocal scores will be provided; Josh will preface the event with a warm-up and short rehearsal. Tickets: Adults, $10; Students and Seniors, $8

Sunday, December 10, 3:00 pm: Go West, Zamir! Sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, this concert offers a smorgasbord of Zamir's extensive repertoire, from Shlomo Carlebach to Naomi Shemer to Tom Lehrer, and much more. Open to the public, the performance features the wonderful vocal talents of Zamir alumna Cantor Marina Shemesh, and soprano Johanna Bronk, daughter of Zamir baritone Peter Bronk. Location: Daniels Theatre, Atwood Hall, Clark University, Worcester. For directions, please visit www.clarku.edu/campusmap . For ticket information, call Congregation Beth Israel at 508-756-6204.

Sunday, December 17, 7:30 pm: Hanukkah Happens XVII, Temple Emanuel, Newton. Not to be missed -- this year's annual concert features Zamir and guest instrumentalists performing "Songs of Israel" - - popular, classical, folk, and contemporary selections from Eretz Yisrael. "We are delighted to return to Emanuel again this year. Zamir enjoys any opportunity to showcase the cultural achievements of Israel and to use song as a means of strengthening our connection to the Jewish homeland," says Joshua Jacobson. For further information, contact Temple Emanuel at 617-558- 8150.

January "Jews and Blues"

Saturday, January 27, 8:00 pm, and Sunday, January 28, 2:00 pm: "Jews and Blues," Leventhal- Sidman Jewish Community Center, Newton. Zamir teams with the band known as Philip Pemberton & House Qwake (including drummer Nathaniel Stringfield) for a much- anticipated joint concert highlighting Zamir's swing and jazz repertoire and individual sets by each group. "Catch 'em in person to see one of the best live bands I've ever seen . . . they take you by the throat from the first note, and refuse to let go," writes P. J. Kern in World Rhythms. Don't miss the fun! For further information, contact LSJCC at 617- 558-6500.

Zamir welcomes Jaime Alberts as our 2006-2007 fellow. Jaime is a music teacher at the Ottoson Middle School in Arlington, where she also directs the sixth-grade chorus. She earned a master's in music education from the Boston Conservatory and a bachelor's degree in public policy from Brown University, where she founded and directed the Brown Enchor Singers. A native of Chicago, Jaime first sang in a choir at Skokie Solomon Schechter School.

The Mary Wolfman Epstein Conducting Fellowship was established six years ago by Epstein's grand-nephew, Scott Offen, to train conductors in the area of Jewish choral music. Interns sing in the Chorale and are engaged in an intensive study of repertoire with Joshua Jacobson.

Zamir Helps "Launch a New Beat" at GesherCity Event

Zamir's popular recording of Salamone Rossi's "Halleluyah" is featured on a new compilation CD of local artists that was distributed at GesherCity Boston's Third Annual Kickoff Event on October 5. Over 150 Jewish young adults in their 20's and 30's gathered at Boston's Comedy Connection for the festivities, which included an "info fair" representing dozens of local Jewish organizations. For more information, visit www.geshercity.org.

Encore News Flash! Zamir Awarded MCC Grant

In case you missed our September letter, we are happy to announce that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) awarded the Zamir Chorale of Boston a matching grant of $8,300 to advance our educational programs, cultural participation, and community programs -- a significant vote of support in an extremely competitive market.

Hanukkah Shopping

It's never too early to begin your holiday gift list. Be sure to visit our website, www.zamir.org/cds / where we offer a vast array of CDs and merchandise along with complete concert information.

Keep In Touch

Let us know what you're up to — we love hearing from our friends near and far. If you would like to bring Zamir to perform a concert in your community, or to learn more about upcoming events, please contact us!