Jonathan Mark’s article about the 50th anniversary of the Zamir Chorale was a gift to fans of Jewish choral music and Matthew Lazar (“Zamir’s Long Road,” Oct. 29). The concert at Carnegie Hall Sunday afternoon (Oct. 31) was a wondrous affair. There were moments when I literally found myself moved to tears, including, but not exclusively, witnessing the gathering of all three “generations” — the alumni, the current choir and the HaZamir high school singers — all on stage at the same time. The sound was incredibly robust, yes, but more than that, there was something symbolic about the continuity represented by those three groups.
Especially in this day and age when Jews are always arguing among each other, this event was one of harmony. The audience was treated to music of all Jewish genres — Ashkenaz, Sephardic, Chalutz, Chazzanish, folk, modern American pieces — sung by men and women, young and old, religious and non-religious, Israeli and American, together in beautiful harmony.
The entire afternoon of song was exceptionally moving. But the ultimate moment came when all 350 singers joined on the stage to sing David Burger’s anthem, “Tefillah li-Shlom Ha-Medinah.” It rendered me speechless.
It was an afternoon I will remember for many, many years. Thank you for giving much deserved attention to this magnificent Jewish cultural and educational institution.
Jerusalem
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