At St. Pölten Synagogue Cantor Heller, April 18, 2024April 22, 2024 By invitation of the Institute of History of Jews of Austria. I had the privilege of participating in the re-inauguration ceremony of what was once my father’s parents and family’s Synagogue in St. Pölten, Austria, which suffered from the 9th of Nov 1938 pogrom and went through several renovations. Renovation project picture This Art Nouveau treasure will sparkle once more, now fully accessible on every level. Its restoration and conversion into a contemporary hub for exhibitions, cultural happenings, and historical education, emphasizing its own Lower Austrian history, were financed by the federal government, the Lower Austrian state, and the city of St. Pölten. During the event, with the presence of the force behind its transformation Mag Martha Keil and her team, civil and clerical authorities, the Chief Rabbi of Austria and President of the Jewish Community and guests, we performed Salomon Sulzer’s “Ma Tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishkenotecha Yisrael,” which translates to “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel.” It comes from the Book of Numbers 24:5. It’s recited as a prayer expressing awe and appreciation for the sanctity of the places of worship and houses of study.. Sulzer, is considered the pioneer of Choral Synagogue music and the former Chief Cantor at the Vienna Synagogue in the Middle of the XIX century, who influenced Louis Lewandowsi [Berlin] Samuel Naumbourg [Paris], and all those who followed. Screenshot taken from the direct special sending from ORF TV In this memorable evening the talented cellist Monica Scott, who is a descendant of the Synagogue’s architect, accompanied me as we presented a rendition of “Ma Tovu” for baritone and cello, celebrating the beauty of this building. This youtube recording is the original version composed for organ choir and Cantor. Related Hazzanut CantorialSt Pölten Synagogue
Hazzanut At New London Synagogue September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 An evening of song invited by the song shul of Canada in their tour with Cantor Simon and Mrs Aliza Spiro. Hosting at New London Synagogue it’s Cantor Yoav Oved and guest Cantor David Rome who shared songs composed by British Jewish composers accompanied by the excellent pianist Leo Nicholson…. Read More
Hazzanut At West London Synagogue December 13, 2022January 16, 2023 As a guest of the Zemel Choir in support of World Jewish Relief in their aid to the crisis in Ukraine, I sung and prayed asking for peace and for the souls of the departed in this cruel war. Here is a little slide show of this beautiful Synagogue and… Read More
Hazzanut At St.Martin in the Fields March 25, 2022September 21, 2023 As guests for the interfaith first ‘Faithful Voices’ concert on 24 March St Martin-in-the-Fields. sponsored by the Zemel Choir, the Belsize Square Synagogue Professional Choir together with St. Martin’s own Chamber Choir, the West London Choir, the Zemel Choir with their soloist Cantor Robert Brody; Divyanand Caird (Saraswati Veena) and… Read More