Matthew Lazar

Matthew Lazar is the catalyst and leading force of the Jewish choral movement in North America today. He is the Founder and Director of the Zamir Choral Foundation and has directed the Zamir Chorale since 1972.

The New York Times recently acknowledged Mr. Lazar for his vision and leadership in presenting the music of Salamone Rossi in the first festival and conference of this great master's music. He has been praised by The New York Times, along with his "expert ensemble", for performances of the music of Salamone Rossi, and by the Chicago Tribune as an "expert director" for a program he conducted for the Chicago Symphony's World Music Series. He has prepared choruses for Maestros Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, Carlo Maria Giulini, Daniel Barenboim and others. Mr. Lazar has appeared as guest conductor of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Chamber Symphony and the Ra'anana Symphony Orchestra, and regularly presents programs at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and in other major concert halls throughout the United States and Israel.

Mr. Lazar has served on the faculties of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, and is a frequent lecturer and scholar-in-residence in communities across the United States. His most recent recording, dedicated to Jerusalem, with special narration by Elie Weisel, is available through Jewish charitable institutions.