Helfman Institute: Reflections After the First Year

I just returned from the annual International Conference of the Cantors Assembly in Toronto where I was given a few minutes to speak about the Institute.  The reaction was positive in the extreme, with many cantors expressing their desire to get the material as soon as possible.  I gave out a stack of CDs and many business cards directing them to the JMCLA website where they can find recordings of all of the music from the Shabbat Shira service -- composed entirely by the Helfman Institute fellows.  The Cantors Assembly newsletter “Hazzanews” will feature an article about us as well.

As you’re aware, cantors have a significant influence on the music performed in the synagogue.  So I’m also happy to report that the regional joint convention of the Cantors Assembly (Conservative) and the American Conference of Cantors (Reform) will be featuring new music from the Max Helfman Institute in a special concert January 4, 2012 at Stephen Wise Temple.  Details to follow in the coming months.

I will be working on this wonderful project with our newest members, Hazzan Mike Stein and David Kates,  former executive director of the Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles.  Mike, who is hazzan at Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, California, is already an accomplished composer of synagogue music. David is a composer of both secular and Jewish liturgical music and is choir director at Leo Baeck Temple in Bel Air, CA, where his wife, Linda Kates, is Cantor. They will both be a great asset to the group as we move forward.

Please take a moment to view their impressive credits, just added to the website.

Musically, the group is pursuing some ambitious goals.  At Dr. Michael Isaacson’s suggestion, several of our composers are writing musical “pulpit dramas” --  short pieces which express a musical midrash on the week’s parasha.  Several others are composing liturgical works for Shabbat morning, and a new children’s service is also in the works.  Selections will premiere at the January concert, while other pieces will be featured throughout the coming year. 

Please watch for updates, and thank you for your interest and support for this wonderful project.