South African singer performs with Andrea Bocelli

TALI FEINBERG

Schachat, who lives in Israel, is a businessman and a singer. “I grew up in Senderwood, and went to King David Linksfield my entire school career. I always enjoyed singing, and was co-opted by Linksfield Shul to sing in the choir. I became the regular soloist, and in later years, the chazzan for six years.

His Jewish background continues to play a role in his career. “When I sing in the secular world, I’m known as the ‘cantor who sings opera’, and when I sing in the cantorial or Jewish context, I’m known as a professional baritone who also sings chazzanut [cantorial music],” he says.

So how did he come to perform with Bocelli? Some years ago, he was invited to perform with José Carreras (one of the original Three Tenors) in Israel. “I became friendly with the management company that represented Carreras, and from time to time, it has arranged for me to participate in special events with major international artists. It also works with Bocelli,” he says.

“Last year, I performed with Bocelli in a star-studded event in Porto Venere, Italy, alongside legendary stars such as Josh Groban, David Foster, and Katharine MacPhee. This went well, resulting in an invitation for me to appear with Bocelli in a special private concert at his home in Forte Dei Marmi, Italy.”

Schachat says Bocelli is “a wonderful person – kind and easy going, and a musical genius. He plays a few instruments at professional level, including the flute and piano. His mind is phenomenal – he knows more than 5 000 songs off by heart. New arrangements were written for our performances, which made it even more special. In 2018, we sang The Pearl Fishers Duet from the opera by Bizet and Vieni Sul Mar, a wonderful Italian song made famous by Caruso. This year, Bocelli requested that we perform two other Neapolitan songs, O Surdatto Nammeruto and Vogue Vivere Cosi.”

Other highlights in Schachat’s career have been performing a Mozart recital at Buckingham Palace with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; performing and recording with Carreras; a performance for world leaders at the opening of the President Peres International Conference; and regular performances with some of the world’s leading singers and chazzanim.

“Without doubt, my biggest success is that I have a show with two of my sons, Gabi and Micha,” he says. “We perform in Israel and around the world. Even prestigious events don’t match the satisfaction and pleasure I get when performing with my sons, who are established artists in their own right.”

There are also some major challenges, including balancing family, professional business life, and a singing career; dealing with disappointment – which is part of the music business – and keeping in good vocal shape.

Schachat says his Jewish identity has played a key role in his life and career. “I have never hid who I am, and I try to conduct myself in full knowledge that I represent more than myself. I have also lost on out on opportunities as I don’t perform on Shabbat. I have no regrets in this regard. I have had proper kosher food in the most unlikely of places and events. People respect consistency and loyalty to one’s heritage. Whether I like it or not – and actually I do – being Jewish defines who I am.”

His advice to young people who would like to succeed as singers is that, “It’s a very tough industry. Anyone who decides on it as a career should prepare for much sacrifice and disappointment, along with satisfaction and success. You need talent, dedication, luck, and most of all, unbridled passion.

“Even though I have been living in Israel for 28 years, my South African roots are always referred to in some way,” he says. “I was privileged to be part of this amazing community which gave me so many opportunities. It created the foundation from which I was able to move forward. So, I say thank you.”