Caution: Chazzanim at Work

By COLlive reporter

If you are in Brooklyn and enjoy cantorial renditions, you might want to mark this down.

The Council of Chabad Chazonim will be holding their monthly workshop on Thursday, June 18, and they are inviting all cantors, singers and chazzanus lovers to join.

Planned for 7:15pm at The Shul – 481 Albany Avenue in Crown Heights, they will be singing and receiving guidance and inspiration from veteran cantors and voice masters.

The Council was founded by Rabbi Levkeh Kaplan a decade ago to develop the local chazzanus talent and assist them in finding work during the High Holidays and around the year.

After meeting together in private homes in Crown Heights for the past year, and a successful open-to-the-public Sefira concert last month, there was an increased interest in the group.

Leading the workshop are Kaplan and Dovid Babinet as voice teacher, accompanied by Israel Edelson, a veteran conductor, composer, pianist and arranger.

“We sing sing, learn, teach and discuss Chazzanus, nusach and technique and are inspired by its meaningful nature,” says chazzan Aryeh Hurwitz, a regular participant. “A bigger venue was in demand.”

Organizers said the workshop is a great opportunity to start preparing for the High Holidays, to network with other Chazzanim and to find out about more singing opportunities.

It is very exciting to see and hear all these very talented local chazzanim practicing new pieces and perfecting old ones, said Dovid Babinet. The goal, however, is much more than just entertainment.

“The development of an artist or musician does not happen in a vacuum; it’s only by being around other artists and being supported by his community that he can succeed,” Babinet added.

VIDEO:
Aryeh L. Hurwitz sings Oshamnu Mikol Um

Levke Kaplan sings Mimkomcho

Shui Samules sings Mogen Ovos

For additional information about singing opportunities, vocal training, or sponsoring opportunities, call 718 772 3543.