Bay Area Choral Festival!
Date: Feb 25, 2025
Author: Cantor
In the highest heavens and in the deepest depths, from stars to stones, through oceans and air, all of creation sings its gratitude and praise: “Halleluyah!” (Psalm 148)
Recently 68 choir members from 7 congregations around the Bay Area, from Carmel to Marin, joined together to practice a number of pieces that were sung in a concert on Sunday, February 23, the Bay Area Choral Fest. It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to sing with other congregations and 7 Cantors. Singing z’mirot, Jewish songs, our collective voices filled the sanctuary at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA.
This is what our choir members had to say about this meaningful musical experience:
Shell Rubenstein said: “It was an amazing group of singers. They were full of joy as they sang. It didn't matter if every note was perfect because we all sang from our hearts! The people who attended loved it!”
Carolyn Kerlin said: “What a pleasure meeting and singing meaningful music in harmony with over 65 other voices from our Jewish community—and listening to the glorious voices of 7 Cantors! Pure Joy!! Can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Rachael Shea said: "Thrilling to sing these catchy songs, each one with a bright new take on our beloved liturgy. We almost levitated when the audience started clapping. In time! Hazzan Devorah pulled out all the stops when her moments came."
Mark Allen, who sang many years ago in previous Bay Area Choral Fests, said: “It was great to see some people I knew from other congregations. But the best part was singing from my position in the exact middle of the choir, surrounded by all the other parts, and a section of 5 tenors!”
Susan Cohen said: “I cannot adequately express how powerful and beautiful this experience was. Both singing Jewish songs in a large choir with new friends and with our area cantors and then having the delight of hearing our cantors sing together and alone exceeded any expectations I might have had for the event. What a special joy we experienced! I wish that everyone could feel this sort of powerful connection and joy in some way, in some space, whether musical or not."
We sang a variety of z’mirot from newer composers to some “older” compositions. In addition to the combined choirs, the 7 cantors had an opportunity to sing several songs together.
This is the beginning of one of many concerts that we will all join together and sing. We hope that next year, you can come and listen too!