What is Jewish music? The best answer is a musical response that draws on the cultures and traditions of countries where Jewish people have lived over the centuries. Cantor and choral director Ramón Tasat leads discussions about this intriguing history, which segue into live performances by the Kolot HaLev (Voices of the Heart) choir. The words to the liturgical, classical, folk, and contemporary works the choir performs may be in different languages, but the message is universal.

NOTE: All individual programs are available for individual purchase.

March 8  Les Chansons Juives: Portraits of Jewish Music in France

The enduring connections between French and Jewish musical traditions in Europe and North Africa.

Kolot HaLev performs “Maoz Tzur” (to a melody from Georges Bizet's L'Arlesienne) and a setting of Psalm 29 by Emile Jonas, among other works.

April 26  Jewels in the Crown: The Sounds of Jewish England

The Jewish choral heritage in England from the 1700s to the present.

Kolot HaLev performs “Adon Olam” by Samuel de Sola and “Shahar avakeshkha” by Emanuel Aguilar, among other works.

June 14  Cantata Ebraica: Music of the Italian Jews

Beginning in 1492 the Italian city-states received Jews from all over the Mediterranean region. A discussion of the long and complicated history of Jewish music in Italy.

Kolot HaLev performs “I cieli immensi narrano” by Benedetto Marcello and “Va, pensiero” from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Nabucco, among other works.

3 concerts

Special Subscriber Note: Participants who purchase this 3-session series are eligible for discounted tickets to Kolot HaLev’s annual concert, this year dedicated to Jewish music from England. The May 17 event includes the premiere of Eshet Hayil, a tribute to the Jewish woman written by the celebrated English composer Judith Silver. The concert takes place at Temple Beth Ami, 14330 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850.

Photo caption (upper right): Kolot HaLev (Voices of the Heart) choir