DC's NATIONALLY-KNOWN JEWISH CHORUS' DEBUT CD OF AUTHENTIC FOLK MUSIC ARRIVES IN TIME FOR CHANUKAH!

Washington, DC - The New York Times lauded the DC-based, nationally-respected Jewish chorus ZEMER CHAI as possessing "real choral competency and finished style." Just in time for Chanukah, the 30-member ensemble brings this same combination of skill and passion to their first CD, "SAME EARTH, SAME SKY," featuring striking choral arrangements of authentic Jewish music from around the world. Born of a commitment for building bridges, the CD's spirit of joy and hope make it a welcome addition to any Chanukah celebration - or to any celebration of unity and understanding this holiday season!

Timeless works included on "SAME EARTH, SAME SKY" relate the human experience with such immediacy that listeners of all cultures can hear their own story in that of the Jewish people. The core message of the album is that the Jewish people's hopes for the future never falter. Melody illuminates wide-ranging Jewish culture and heritage - from the joyous sounds of Ronu Na (Sing with Joy) to the Sephardic melody of Borei Ad Ana (Oh Creator) to the Yiddish tune of Drei Dreidele (Spin Dreidel). The lyrics offer a window into the spiritual and daily lives of the Jewish people over the centuries. The album includes three commissioned works by well-known composer Alice Parker, as well as guest appearances by internationally recognized artists such as Robyn Helzner, and clarinetist Ken Maltz of the well-known Klezmer group, Kapelye.

ZEMER CHAI, whose name means "living song" in Hebrew, was founded by conductor Eleanor Epstein in 1976. The 30 members of the chorus, all volunteer singers from the DC metropolitan area, are committed to preserving the culture of the Jewish people through their songs. For 30 years, Zemer Chai has been singing the full range of Jewish choral repertoire, including liturgical and classical pieces from around the world. Respected for its moving interpretations and skillful performance, the chorus has appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and in concert halls in Boston and New York. The chorus made three trips to Israel, touring with Zimriya, Israel's International Choral Festival.

The cost of the CD "SAME EARTH, SAME SKY" is $18 (including shipping and handling). See www.zemerchai.org for more information on the chorus. Contact info@zemerchai.org or call 301-963-3462 to order the CD.