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Past Performances

 

June 3, 2015 - When Music Speaks, Worlds Open!

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.

 

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November 2, 2014 - ROUTES: A Day of Jewish Learning

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.

 

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September 20, 2014 - Community Selichot Service

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.

 

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July 21, 2014 -  North American Jewish Choral Festival

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.

 

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June 15, 2014 Roots and Wings – 2014 Women Cantor’s Network Conference 

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

 

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June 9, 2014 - Voices of Our Nation – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 

Zemer Chai was invited to take part in the opening event of Voices of our Nation: Celebrating the Choral Tradition, a week-long celebration featuring choruses from across the U.S., at The Kennedy Center.

 

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May 28, 2014 - In Every Age 

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 of her lilting D’ror Yikrah. 

 

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December 11 and 15, 2013 - Music in the Mansion, The Music Center At Strathmore

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

 

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December 5, 2013 - The White House Hanukah Celebration 

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

 

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June 5, 2013 - Sing Halleluyah

Our 2013 Spring concert Sing Halleluyah! took the audience on a musical exploration of this universal expression of joy, thanks, and praise – from the Renaissance’s Rossi to Today’s Leonard Cohen.

 

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February 26, 2013 Sapphires in Song – The Library of Congress 

Zemer Chai was invited to perform a concert at the Library of Congress to add the power of music to their landmark exhibit, Words Like Sapphires, marking 100 years of Hebraica at the Library.

 

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November 30 - December 1, 2012 - Shabbat Weekend at B'nai Israel Congregation

With our conductor Eleanor Epstein, we were Artists in Residence for a special Shabbat of Music at 

B'nai Israel Congregation, sharing traditional Shabbat melodies, modern compositions and

warm congregational singing. 

 

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June 6, 2012 - Heartbeats in Harmony – 36 Years of Living Song

Our gala 36th anniversary concert featured music ranging from the 17th century to contemporary settings, sung in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Aramaic and English, and a debut 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.

 

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March 15, 2012 - Hadassah Centennial Celebration, Embassy of Israel

Zemer Chai helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hadassah with esteemed guests, donors and dignitaries within the beautiful Embassy of Israel.

 

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May 25, 2011 - I Am Determined To Walk In Freedom

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

 

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December 15, 2011 - Celebrate Light!  Celebrate Freedom! 

In celebration of one of history’s great victories over religious tyranny, Zemer Chai joined with special guests, The Soldiers’ Chorus and Pentagon Winds of the U.S. Army Field Band in this unique concert.  

 

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Peggy Pearlstein

Head , Hebraic section, Library of Congress

Once again, many, many thanks for bringing Zemer Chai to the Library of Congress.

The standing room only audience was quite appreciative and enthusiastic!

I had very positive feedback from several colleagues at the Library. A number were African American, another is Coptic, others not Jewish, who heard this kind of music for the first time.  Kol HaKavod!

 

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