The Hallel Choir
The Hallel Choir is the only choral group in Israel concentrating
on the performance of Jewish music in the broad sense.
The Hallel Choir was founded in 2000 as the community choir of
the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. The Choir's concert programs
have also included settings of Biblical texts by non-Jewish composers
as well as secular pieces by Jewish musicians. The choir provides
a welcoming environment for some thirty-five choral singers in the
wider community, some of whom have years of choral experience and
are even professional musicians, while others are being introduced
to choral singing for the first time. It has succeeded in raising
its level of performance to a high point. At a very difficult time
in Israel's history, the Hallel Choir has provided a warm outlet
for expression and social bonding when many Jerusalemites are frightened
and appalled by the security situation. It has also enriched audiences
who have begged to hear repeat performances of uplifting music.
The 'Hallel' choir is supported by the Fig Tree Foundation.
Cantorial, Rabbinic and Education students at the Hebrew Union
College participate regularly in the choir. Hallel also attracts
students from other academic institutions.
Conductor Dr. Jay Shir is well known for his inspired interpretations
of choral music. For the past decade and a half he has been active
in Jerusalem as a singer and voice teacher, as a choral conductor,
composer and music historian.
"The recent concert 'Praise God with Harp and Lyre' brought
together performers from around Jerusalem to sing selections composed
from the Book of Psalms. Particularly notable was the Hebrew Union
College Community Choir which gave an inspiring and exciting performance.
Providing half of the program, their voices blended to create an
uplifting atmosphere and the audience loudly sounded their appreciation
at the conclusion of the performance. Conductor Jay Shir coaxes
a wonderful sound from both the ensemble and full choir to the delight
of all listeners."
- Iris Wiener, Cantor at Congregation Mevakshei Derech in Jerusalem
Contact
Monica Fallon
Music Department, HUC Jerusalem
Tel: +972-2-6203-212
Fax: +972-2-6251478
mfalon@huc.edu
