ZEMER CHAI AND THE SOLDIERS' CHORUS JOIN IN UNIQUE CONCERT, 'I LIFT MY LAMP...'

The Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band and Zemer Chai, the Jewish Community Chorus of Washington, D.C., will perform a joint concert entitled, "I lift my lamp..." on Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Har Shalom, 11510 Falls Road, Potomac, MD. Admission is free.

The unique collaboration will feature a combined performance of Leonard Bernstein’s "Chichester Psalms" and other works by American Jewish composers, including Aaron Copland and Ernest Bloch. The concert will also include Jewish folk music and other American choral classics.

The theme of the concert, "I lift my lamp...," represents the ideals of justice and peace, common to American and Jewish traditions. "The theme also expresses our gratitude to the soldiers," explained Eleanor Epstein, director of Zemer Chai. "We honor the soldiers who defend these ideals. The Statue of Liberty’s light as a beacon of freedom for all people is our inspiration for this important collaboration."

The two choruses have distinctly different histories and concert schedules, however they share an important value -- the commitment to creating a personal connection with each audience. "Wherever we travel, we remind our audience of the soldiers currently serving, or those who have previously served, to protect the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. To that extent, we are a visible symbol of those freedoms. Our mission is to reconnect the American people with their Army," stated Master Sergeant Douglas Cox, Assistant Director of the Soldiers’ Chorus.

That mission drew the Soldiers’ Chorus to Epstein, a Silver Spring resident and nationally renowned authority in the Jewish choral arts. The Soldiers’ Chorus was working on several Jewish works, including one arranged by Epstein. To help them deliver authentic performances, Epstein was engaged to coach the Soldiers’ Chorus in their understanding and interpretation of the Hebrew text.

The history of this collaboration is intertwined with the history of our times. Epstein arrived at Ft. Meade, the Soldiers’ Chorus home base, ready to begin her work. But their efforts were immediately overshadowed by other events. The date was September 11, 2001. Epstein sat side by side with the soldiers as they learned together what had transpired that morning. "From that shared experienced, we formed an immediate bond with Eleanor," said Cox.

Several months later, Epstein and the Chorus resumed their work together. The collaboration was so positive for both that Epstein proposed the possibility of a joint performance with the choir she founded and directs, Zemer Chai, to be given in their customary concert venue, a synagogue. Although such collaborations are rare for the Soldiers’ Chorus -- and they have never performed in a synagogue -- the idea was met enthusiastically by their director, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Clanton.

The members of Zemer Chai were equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to perform with this nationally renowned chorus and to reach out to a broader audience. Since its founding in 1976, Zemer Chai, whose name means "living song," has become an integral part of the Washington community, attracting audience members of every faith to its concerts, and frequently participating in interfaith events. Zemer Chai has also appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and in concert halls in Boston, New York and Israel.

Admission to the concert is free, however, advance reservations are recommended. To obtain up to 4 tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Zemer Chai, P.O. Box 83513, Gaithersburg, MD 20883. For information: www.ZemerChai.org or 301-963-3462.