JJMC sings praises of long-time chazzan

JORDAN MOSHE

Notable Jewish vocal talent took to the stage at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton on Sunday afternoon in the JJMC’s 34th annual musical showcase. Musical doyen Professor Russel Lurie, the chairperson of the JJMC, joined forces with Sea Point Hebrew Congregation chazzan Ivor Joffe, and acclaimed Jewish singer Marc Shapiro. Together, these personalities paid tribute to and shared the stage with Ezra Sher, Pine Street chazzan of about 20 years.

These talented soloists were accompanied by eleven supporting choristers and a musical ensemble directed by venerated virtuosa and pianist extraordinaire, Evelyn Green.

Collectively, this capable cadre presented a memorable musical spectacle which transported audience members from Johannesburg to Israel, shifting seamlessly from English to Italian and even Yiddish along the way. Under Green’s masterful guidance, instruments and voices worked their magic in harmony, and delivered a performance which celebrated musical masterpieces, Israeli spirit, and above all, genuine Jewish joy.

Timeless Jewish classics based on psalms and prayers blended into contemporary Israeli tunes made popular at Eurovision concerts over the past few years. Verdi gave way to vodka with a performance of famed Russian folk-song Kalinka, for which Lurie donned appropriate Russian-style headwear, much to the audience’s delight.

There were also many Yiddish tunes which were sung with aplomb and left many feeling nostalgic. Few eyes were dry during a moving performance of My Yiddish Mama, and the lively beat of Roumania had many fingers drumming on armrests. A rousing chorus of hits from Fiddler on the Roof transported audiences from tradition to Times Square, setting the stage for the subsequent tunes of Freddie Mercury, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and finally Leonard Cohen, whose Hallelujah proved fitting for bringing the afternoon’s programme to a satisfying close.

From start to finish, the JJMC delivered a fitting homage to Jewish musical prowess, proving that no song is beyond the capabilities of choral talent. Rather than end with a crescendo, the memorable performance maintained a high note throughout the show, leaving audience members humming tunes for weeks to come.