By Eileen Wingard
LA JOLLA, California –The Lawrence Family JCC Garfield Theatre was once again the venue for Jewish Music on Sunday, Nov. 24. Although not sponsored by the JCC (its music committee was disbanded in 2011), this wonderful afternoon of Jewish music in honor of Chanukah was spearheaded by Ruth Weber, director of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir.
The concert included a variety of local groups: Congregation Beth Am’s choir, under the direction of Elisheva Edelson; the Zimriyah Temple Emanu-El Choir, conducted by Cantorial soloist Myrna Cohen; Shir Chadash Tifereth Israel Band; BECKO JAZZ – four members of Beth El Community Klezmer Orchestra, under the direction of Yochanon Sebastian Winston – and several outstanding vocal soloists and instrumentalists. The capacity audience was treated to a variety of music from the classical oratorio, Judas Maccabeus, by Handel, accompanied by several instrumentalists, to the final sing-a-long of traditional Chanukah songs, “Mi Yimaleil,” “Maoz Tsur” and “Sivivon.”
The event opened with the Interim Mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, greeting the audience and telling about his diverse heritage, which includes forebearers from Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the British Isles.
The curtains opened to the combined choirs singing an original tune, “The Dreydl Sing Along,” by Ruth Weber. The snappy selection had the choristers clapping and swaying with this upbeat beginning to an engaging program. “Hanukkah Nagila,“ a Chanuka version of “Hava Nagila,” was a particular crowd pleaser, sung by the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir with soloist, Cantor Larry Kornit, of Vista’s Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Earlier, Kornit’s impressive tenor voice was featured in “Sound An Alarm” from Judas Maccabeus. It was accompanied by the excellent trumpet playing of Ehren Bollenbacher.
The first half of the program concluded with a four piece instrumental combo, BECKO JAZZ, led by the winning pro, Yochanon Sebastian Winston, on soprano clarinet, Jeremy Kern on baritone saxophone, Rocky Smolin on bass and Jacob Celniker on piano. They played jazz versions of “Lemaneichai” by Carlebach, a rousing “Freilach,” a medley of two melodies of “Al Hanisim,” and an Irving Berlin tune about the other winter holiday.
The second half of the program had a spirited Shir Chadash Tifereth Israel Band on stage, featuring vocalists Cheryl Katz and Christina de Jesus in a setting of “Adon Olam” and “Happy Joyous Chanukah.”
Excerpts from the J Company’s forthcoming production of Disney’s Little Mermaid confirmed the high quality of J Company productions. 14-year-old Cassie Bleher, in the title role, was outstanding. Joey Landwehr continues to produce excellent musicals with his young forces. This production will be at the JCC from December 6-15.
For some comic relief, Jeff Wayne, bass with the SD Jewish Men’s Choir, read, “Twas the Night Before Hanukkah,” accompanied by Ruth Weber. Another light touch was Cantor Kornit, soloist, with the Men’s Choir, singing “Hanukkah in Santa Monica,” with the first row of singers doing can-can kicks to accompany the funny lyrics.
Soprano Cheri Weiss contributed her artistry in three selections, including a duet from Judas Maccabeus. Most memorable was her passionate rendition of “Hakotel,” the beautiful Hebrew ballad about the Western Wall, the remaining segment of the glorious temple which was ransacked by the Greeks, then restored and rededicated by the victorious Maccabees.
Violinist, Ondrej Lewit, played a beautiful rendition of “Remembrances,” from the score to the movie, Schindler’s List, by John Williams and the violinist, along with piano, bass, and percussion, accompanied a medley from Fiddler On the Roof.
San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir director, Ruth Weber, is to be congratulated for organizing and executing this varied and entertaining program and bringing some of the musical groups of the community together. Hopefully, this will become an annual event.
This program also launched the San Diego Men’s Choir’s inaugural recording, Heritage. Founded by Rhoda Gaylis fifteen years ago, the choir, now under the direction of Ruth Weber, is obviously a group with strong camaraderie, and boasts some fine voices. May they continue from strength to strength. And may all the soloists and groups featured in Chanukah Jam continue to perform music of our heritage.
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Wingard is a freelance writer and retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com