Page 26 - Jewish News_December-2020

26A December 2020 JEWISH INTEREST

Choral music during the pandemic: Jewish-themed Crossword Puzzle

It’s not business as usual Your monthly crossword puzzle

By Arlene Stolnitz
ccording to what I have read Here in Sarasota-Manatee, as in video of singers. Here’s how it works. “Taking Note: Conversations About is generously brought to you by
recently, one in six Americans other locales, programs are being pre- After sending the singers click tracks Music in Challenging Times.” Featured
Aover the age of 18 sings in a sented virtually by groups such as the (a series of audio clues used by musi- were Nurit Hirsh, Israeli composer of
choir. But any chance of performances, Sarasota Ballet, Choral Artists and cians), individual singers record their “Bashana Haba’ah;” Eleanor Epstein,
choral or otherwise, as we remember Sarasota Orchestra, to name a few. performances at home, using a tutorial conductor of Zemer Chai in Washing-
them before the pandemic, has been I recently saw a beautiful rendition for help. The video file is then submit- ton, D.C.; and Ruth Westheimer, affec-
abandoned. It might take as long as two of “Shalom Rav” in a Zoom Shab- ted to sound editors who compile them tionately known as “Dr. Ruth. This is
years to gather bat service at Temple Beth Elohim in into one video that mimics the sound just a sample of the prominent people
safely, as report- Wellesley, Massachusetts. And locally, of a live choir with the acoustics of the interviewed in the series.
ed recently in an synagogues and churches are finding synagogue. According to the director, As I write this, I am struck by the
article entitled, new and creative ways to present mu- the results as seen in a Zoom session idea that despite the difficulties we
“A Conversation: sic to their congregants. were spectacular. Some singers felt it face, living in today’s world has giv-
What Do Science One such effort is happening with was strange singing alone and the tech- en us something never seen before.
and Data Say a group called Nashira, The Jewish nology seemed daunting at first, but in Clearly, the impact of Zoom technolo-
About the Near- Chorale of Greater Philadelphia. Re- the end it was “thrilling.” gy has made our world smaller despite
Term Future of cently, I read of how this group, like In another method, singers live- the pandemic. The ability to connect
Singing?” many others, has been able to create stream together while singing into with communities throughout the U.S.
Arlene Stolnitz A recent choir virtual concerts by enabling singers to muted microphones to prerecorded and beyond is a gift for which we are
rehearsal in Washington resulted in sing independently from their homes songs. The idea of the audience hearing truly grateful during these challenging
52 people becoming infected with the to produce a program of music using prerecorded voices produces a higher times.
coronavirus. Clearly the spreading of the miracle of Zoom technology. The quality of sound that is not disrupted Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara-
droplets of water-spray during commu- results are quite amazing to hear! The by sound delays, echoes and internet sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of
nal singing can cause a “superspreader” group typically meets each week on- interruptions, all of which can wreak the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A
event. Synagogue and church choirs, line for 90 minutes, then splits into havoc on singers’ timing and ability retired educator from Rochester, New
and all independent choral groups sectional parts. Their sessions include to hear. There are other kinds of virtu- York, she has sung in choral groups
are greatly affected and have had to sight-singing practice, presentations al performances I read about such as for over 25 years and also sings in
curtail their efforts to present live per- on breathing techniques, and lectures drive-in style while listening from your The Venice Chorale. Her interest in
formances. on various topics in Jewish music, as car on an FM station. the preservation of Jewish music of all
More than 12 million people work well as preparation for virtual perfor- Several months ago, Maestro kinds has led to this series of articles
in entertainment fields, according to mances. Matthew Lazar of Zamir fame, presen- on Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora.
recent statistics. These include not This year for Chanukah, Nashira ted a fascinating online series called
only choirs but theaters, orchestras will host a program called “Festival of
and dance troupes along with all their Light,” featuring singers and dancers 280 kosher characters
technical support staff who are looking from Israel, Argentina and New York.
for new and innovative ways to present In the program, Artistic Director Julia twitter.com/jfedsrq
artistic programs during the pandemic. Zavadsky will play a prerecorded

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