Come sing with HaZamir Providence

Some of the local members of HaZamir stop for a photo in New York City last year.

The Providence chapter of HaZamir: the International Jewish High School Choir, conducted by Cantor Brian Mayer, is planning a first rehearsal and open house.  No preparation is necessary for teens interested in joining for the 2015-2016 HaZamir season on Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence.  Parents and teens are welcome to attend an open house on Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. to speak with the leaders and learn more about HaZamir.

HaZamir is a Jewish musical youth movement that provides a unique opportunity for Jewish teens of all denominations and backgrounds to sing sophisticated Jewish choral music in a fun, social environment.  The Providence chapter is part of the HaZamir network of more than 30 chapters throughout the U.S. and Israel.  Individual chapters meet weekly in their local cities to learn a common repertoire, then gather together to polish and perform that repertoire at regional, national and international events, culminating in a gala concert with more than 350 performers from America and Israel.  Last year’s sold-out gala concert was in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and this year’s gala concert will be at Carnegie Hall on April 3, 2016.

HaZamir is open to Jewish teens in grades 8 through 12 who meet the HaZamir musical eligibility requirements, The group meets on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El.

HaZamir also sponsors a highly selective honors choir – its Chamber Choir – consisting of approximately 50 American and Israeli HaZamir members who are auditioned at an even higher standard than the larger ensemble.  HaZamir Chamber Choir singers aspire to an even more challenging level of choral music and perform as an independent ensemble at the gala concert.

HaZamir offers a college credit program for high school juniors and seniors, accepted at more than 70 prestigious colleges and universities, and facilitates leadership among its teens through its Teen Leadership Initiative.

Now in its 23rd year, HaZamir is a project of the Zamir Choral Foundation, Matthew Lazar, founder and director.  HaZamir Providence is partially supported by the Sylvia Zimet HaZamir Fund and by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. For information on HaZamir, please visit zamirchoralfoundation.org.  For information on the Providence chapter please contact Cantor Mayer at bjmayer@teprov.org or 401-331-1616, ext. 22.

NAOMI SCHORSCH STEIN is a parent volunteer with HaZamir Providence.