Hope you were one of the several hundred educators who joined us for the world premiere of SOUNDS OF TORAH. Artists/composers (in alphabetical order) Peter & Ellen Allard, Bruce Benson, Joe Black, Doug Cotler, Karen Daniel, Debbie Friedman, Sam Glaser, Linda Hirschhorn, Jeff Klepper, Lisa Levine, Mah Tovu, Rick Recht, Craig Rosen, Wally Schachet-Briskin, Julie Silver, and Peri Smilow performed 16 selections from this incredible anthology. The concert was produced by Doug Cotler with musical accompaniment by Joe Black, Mark Bloom, Jon Simon, and Michael Stein. Randee Friedman narrated the program, sharing a brief history of the project in between introductions to the songs and performances. The performers joined Julie Silver on stage for the Grand Finale of Chazak Chazak. The audience was on its feet clapping and singing along with enthusiasm that wouldn't quit. A spontaneous song session then continued for serveral minutes. People are still commenting about the wonderful feeling of cooperation amongst the artists that was so reminiscent of the early CAJE days. For many, this program was the highlight of their CAJE 2000 experience!
Contemporary Jewish composers Peter Allard, Cantor Bruce Benson, Craig Rosen & Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin explored with Anthologist Randee Friedman, ways to utilize their songs in classrooms, synagogues, youth groups, camps, and other venues, while sharing their creative processes at work in composing music for this project. Rabbi Josh Zweiback, Steve Brodsky, and Rabbi Ken Chasen from Mah Tovu, highlighted "These Are The Words," introducing the Lessons of Torah study guide, a work in progress. Songs for every Torah portion in Genesis through Deuteronomy were identified.
Our exhibit area attracted a steady stream of visitors, interested in learning more about the SOUNDS OF TORAH. project. People registered to win a complete SOUNDS OF TORAH. set. The winner, Barry Wilans, was announced at the evening concert. We were pleased to hear about how well loved and used the Sounds of Creation/Sounds of Freedom (Genesis & Exodus) songs have been over the years. Educators were genuinely thrilled to now have Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy available to make the series complete. Another exciting aspect of the booth we shared with Artist Booking International, was the Artist Meet & Greet sessions, organized by Abi Cotler. At various times you could shmooze with Bob Alper, Joe Black, Mark Bloom, Noah Budin, Doug Cotler, Judy Caplan Ginsburg, Jeff Klepper, Kol B'seder, Julie Silver, or the Visions Trio.
Sounds of Torah Products | Sounds of Torah Anthologies Photo Gallery - CAJE 2000