Hazanut for soloists and choir

Ramatayim is a Jerusalem-based choir that performs alongisde some of the most famous cantors in the world.

By ESTI KELLER
choir 88 (photo credit: )
choir 88
(photo credit: )
Jerusalem's Gerhard Behar Center will play host to world-renowned cantors Haim Adler and David Ulmann this Monday. The pair will perform with Tzudyk Greenwald and the Ramatayim Men's Choir at a concert in honor of the singing group's 10th anniversary. Originally consisting of four English-speaking immigrants who sang songs they'd performed in synagogue choirs, Ramatayim today boasts 35 members. The Jerusalem-based choir has performed with some of the world's finest cantors, among them Yitzchak Meir Helfgott, Naftali Herstik and Yisrael Rand. The group has also appeared alongside the Israel Symphionette Orchestra of Beersheba and on national television and radio. According to director and founding member Richard Shavei-Tzion, the choir - now comprised of native Israelis as well as Anglo immigrants from four continents - is notable for its lack of clashing egos. "Our members have a strong admiration and respect for each other," says Shavei-Tzion, who has led High Holiday services throughout the world. The manager of a real estate company, Shavei-Tzion says watching the choir grow beyond his greatest expectations has been "an emotional and enriching experience." Among the group's best performances, he says, was a show at the 59th Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales. The group's appearance at the festival, dedicated to promoting peace through music, coincided with last summer's suicide bombings in London. The choir received a standing ovation for its rendition of "Lo Teida Milhama‚" (Let There Be No More War), which it dedicated to victims of the attack. Shavei-Tzion also remembers as "particularly poignant" a concert with celebrated cantor Josef Malovany shortly after his recovery from a life-threatening illness. Guests at Monday's show can enjoy an impressive array of songs, including "Lo Teida Milhama," which is based on an Italian aria, Sol Zim's "Prayer for the State of Israel," and a selection of Naomi Shemer favorites. The choir will close with a surprise performance featuring "music of a non-cantorial nature." For tickets and information, call (02) 623-7000 or e-mail tzion100@bezeqint.net.