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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.

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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