June 5, 2016

Cantor Arianne Brown, Ari Goldbloom-Helzner, The Robyn Helzner Trio and Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller joined Zemer Chai in a festive concert of "ancient texts for our time" set in contemporary styles, including the world premiere of Higid L'cha by Steve Cohen written for Zemer Chai's 40th anniversary.

June 3, 2015

In a celebration of great choral writing, our 39th annual concert highlighted the magic sparked by eloquent poetry set perfectly to music.  Solos by Cantor Rachel Hersh, Cantorial Soloist Joshana Ehrenberg and Tenor Keith Townsend enhanced exquisite pieces including Alice Parker's An American Kedusha. 

November 2, 2014

Zemer Chai took part in this DC regional day of Jewish learning with a participatory workshop on "Words and Music,” exploring the poetry of optimism of Bialik and Naomi Shemer.

September 20, 2014

Zemer Chai joined with the clergy of six Maryland synagogues in a unique community Selichot service, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.

July 21, 2014

As the North American Jewish Choral Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary, Zemer Chai was featured in the July 21 evening concert. This premier event brings together more than 500 participants from around the world in concerts and workshops.

June 15, 2014

Zemer Chai performed with noted female cantors in a special concert to open the Women Cantor’s Network conference: Soaring on the Wings of the Shechinah – a celebration of the feminine voice in Jewish song.

June 9, 2014

Zemer Chai was chosen to sing at the opening event of Voices of our Nation: Celebrating the Choral Tradition, a week-long celebration featuring choruses from across the United States.

May 28, 2014

Soaring new melodies brought ancient words to life in our Spring 2014 concert, featuring the talented teenagers of HaZamir-Baltimore. Robyn Helzner performed with the choirs in a new choral arrangement by Eleanor Epstein of her lilting D’ror Yikrah. 

December 11 and 15, 2013

Zemer Chai shared music of the Jewish holidays at two sold-out concerts at the historic Strathmore Mansion in Rockville.

December 5, 2013

Zemer Chai was honored to perform at the White House, welcoming distinguished guests to the annual Hanukah reception. Each of us was personally greeted by President and Mrs. Obama and we had the opportunity to sing for them privately --- a highlight for our choir.

June 5, 2013

Our 2013 Spring concert took the audience on a musical exploration of this universal expression of joy, thanks, and praise – from the stirring Renaissance Halleluyah of Salomone Rossi to the universally loved Halleluyah of Leonard Cohen.

February 26, 2013

In conjunction with the landmark exhibit, Words Like Sapphires, marking 100 years of Hebraica at the Library of Congress, Zemer Chai offered a standing room only lunchtime concert for the general public and the employees of the Library.

November 30 - December 1, 2012

Along with conductor Eleanor Epstein, we were the Artists in Residence for a special Shabbat of Music at B'nai Israel Congregation, sharing traditional Shabbat melodies, modern compositions and inspiring warm congregational singing. 

June 6, 2012

Our gala 36th anniversary concert featured a wide range of styles and languages,

as well as the premier of three new settings of love songs from the Jewish tradition arranged by renowned composer, Alice Parker. Guest artists included

The Robyn Helzner Trio, Cantor Scott Sokol, and Alexander Kugler.

March 15, 2012

Zemer Chai sang in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Hadassah with esteemed guests, donors and dignitaries at the beautiful Embassy of Israel.

May 25, 2011

Our uplifting annual concert featured riveting choral arrangements expressing the universal longing for freedom.  We were honored to share the stage with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell - composer, educator, conductor and former member of the Grammy award-winning ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock.

December 15, 2011

In celebration of one of history’s great victories over religious tyranny, Zemer Chai joined with The Soldiers’ Chorus and Pentagon Winds of the U.S. Army Field Band to give thanks for the privilege of living in a country founded on the principal of religious freedom. Here is an excerpt, featuring two of these immensely talented singers.