Jewish Men’s Choir, Kol Hakavod, performs Oct. 12

Eileen Wingard
Eileen Wingard

By Eileen Wingard

SAN DIEGO — “Jewish Music Then and Now,” a program by the The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir, Kol Hakavod, will feature favorite Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino songs. The concert , sponsored by the Men’s Club of Congregation Beth El, will take place this Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. in the Social Hall of Beth El, 8660 Gilman Dr., La Jolla.

Kol Hakavod, in its 16 year history, has grown to 25 members. They come from different congregations and stem from a variety of countries such as Israel, France and South Africa, as well as North and South America. They are all united in their mission to share their love of Jewish Music with the greater Jewish Community. Later this month, they will be sharing their music with all San Diego as they perform at the newly-built Central Library.

Founded and directed in their first twelve years by South African-born Rhoda Gaylis, they are now directed by Ruth Weber. Both women have impressive credentials as performers and teachers. Gaylis, who had a performing career as a singer of opera and lieder, coached some of the outstanding cantors, such as Moshe Stern and Yossi Malovaney, when they served the South African Jewish Community. Weber is an adjunct professor at Palomar, Miramar and Cuyamaca Colleges and has accompanied many touring artists. Under Weber’s direction, the choir has put out a wonderful debut recording, Heritage. A second recording is soon to be released.

The Jewish Men’s Choir, Kol Hakavod, has recently received a singular accolade, the Silver Medal of the Global Music Awards.

Tickets are $18 general, $10 students and seniors.

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Wingard is a freelance writer and former violinist with the San Diego Symphony.  She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com