Welcome

The Zamir Choral Foundation, created by Matthew Lazar, promotes Jewish choral music as a vehicle to inspire Jewish life, culture and continuity. Building on the success of the Zamir Chorale, the first modern Hebrew-singing chorus in North America, Mr. Lazar sought an expansive vision that went beyond the activities of any single choir - one that fostered Jewish identity across generational and denominational lines. Today, through extensive programming, education, sponsorships and special events, the Zamir Choral Foundation is at the core of an ever-growing network of Jewish choirs, singers and music which has helped create the only Foundation of its kind devoted to Jewish choral music. The Zamir Choral Foundation is creating a new world of Jewish music, musicians and culture for today and the future. 

The Zamir Choral Foundation's mission is fulfilled by:

• Unifying and training the leaders and singers of the Jewish choral movement
• Fostering Jewish commitment through Jewish choral singing
• Strengthening Jewish identity in teens through a network of high school choral ensembles
• Commissioning and premiering new Jewish choral works
• Creating dynamic, cutting-edge Jewish music programming
• Organizing Israel trips and missions for more than three decades
• Appearing in prime concert venues throughout the US and Insrael
  

The projects of the Zamir Choral Foundation are:

• The North American Jewish Choral Festival
• Hazamir: The National Jewish High School Choir
• The Jeanne R. Mandell Endowment
• The Zamir Chorale
• Zamir Choral Foundation Missions To Israel
• Special Programs, Conferences, and the National Jewish Chorale

CELEBRATE ISRAEL AT 60 WITH
THE ZAMIR CHORAL FOUNDATION,
IN ISRAEL AND AT CARNEGIE HALL

In 2008, Israel turns 60--and the Zamir Choral Foundation is leading the way in marking this historic occasion with two special events:

• An ISRAEL AT 60 CELEBRATION Concert at Carnegie Hall, New York
  Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 2 PM (see poster above)
   (for tickets and information call CarnegieCharge (212)247-7800)
• A MISSION AND CONCERT TOUR of Israel
  August 10-17, 2008 (with options for a longer stay)
• Explore Israel on an extensive tour;
• perform at the Jerusalem Theatre and across the country (including taking part in the official Israeli Celebration);
• meet Israeli leaders, commentators, historians and musicians
• Click here to Download Application and More Information

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!  Join us in celebrating the birthday of the Jewish nation!

The Zamir Chorale Performs at White House 

On Monday evening, December 10, 2007, the Zamir Chorale, under the direction of Matthew Lazar, entertained President and Mrs. Bush, Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff and a select group of additional guests at the annual White House Hanukkah celebration.  Cantor Alberto Mizrahi was featured soloist.
 
The Chorale appeared at the candle lighting ceremony which was led by Ruth and Judea Pearl, parents of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

Later, at a lavish East Room reception, Zamir sang four more selections. Judea Perl joined the choir in performing the final number for all in attendance.

The President was most gracious, shaking the hand of every member of the choir and even taking a moment to share some words with Matthew Lazar.  To view the ceremony in its entirety, follow this link and click on "videos." 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071210-3.html

THEODORE BIKEL HIGHLIGHTS 2007 NORTH AMERICAN JEWISH CHORAL FESTIVAL

The legendary Theodore Bikel received the Hallel V’Zimrah Award at this year’s North American Jewish Choral Festival (NAJCF) in July. Bikel’s appearance, including two performances, highlighted one of the largest, and by all accounts, most successful Choral Festival’s to date. 

Bikel’s appearance was one of the culminating of the 18th “chai” year celebration that brought singers from across the continent to the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in Kerhonkson, NY. Accompanied by famed conductor and musician Tamara Brooks, Bikel gave an impromptu afternoon “Fine Tuning” session, weaving personal stories from his life with music into a moving tapestry of words and song.

Following the Hallel V’Zimrah Award ceremony, Bikel was joined by Debbie Friedman, David Burger, Tamara Brooks and Hazzan Jacob Motzen in a Tribute Concert to his life and career.

Other highlights included the return of the well-known choral conductor Nick Page to the Festival to teach attendees a new piece, “L’Eyla”, commissioned by the Foundation and premiered last spring by HaZamir: The International Jewish High School Choir in a New York Concert.

Tuesday afternoon featured a special cameo appearance by “Mak’helat HaPishpishim”—children of Festival attendees who worked with Peter and Ellen Allard, two well-known musicians who specialize in children’s music. And NAJCF Founder and Director Matthew Lazar conducted a special performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms performed by the combined choirs of Kol Dodi (Metrowest NJ), Shirah (JCC on the Palisades) and Shiru Shir (Brooklyn NY), featuring young soloist Ari Nussbaum Cohen.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Festival, which takes place July 13-17, 2008.

     And plan now for the Zamir Choral Foundation’s Mission and Concert Tour of Israel as part of the official “Israel at 60” Celebration, from August 10-17th and promises to be an unforgettable experience to celebrate with the people of the Jewish homeland.