Hazanuth, the art of cantorial singing plays a very important role in the Jewish liturgy, as the singer communicates the prayer of the whole community to the Creator, with utmost artistry. Also called shaliach tzibbur, the messenger of the congregation, the cantor is thus expected not only to be knowledgeable about the traditions, lead an exemplary life and have a good voice, but also to be an exceptional performer.
Whether singing in solo or in small or large ensembles, the cantors at the Song of Songs concert will perform not only the most memorable songs of renowned composers of synagogue songs, but a rich selection from the traditional repertoire as well. The concert features some distinguished cantors, including the American Nissim Saal, Avraham Kirshenbaum, the Cantor of Jerusalem Great Synagogue, Immánuel Zucker, who is Chief Cantor of the Bethlen Square Synagogue in Budapest, and Dániel Rudas, the Cantor of Europe's largest synagogue, the Dohány Street Synagogue. The younger generation will be represented by Chaim Stern, the Chief Cantor of Munich’s Ohel Jakob Synagogue, and Gábor Raáb. The orchestra will be led by conductor, composer and singer Elli Jaffe, who is Music Director of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir.