Cantorial Concert-Cabaret Night Is In The Works

Beginning at 5:30 pm Sunday, June 13, Congregation Adath Israel will host “Cantorial Concert-Cabaret Night” at St Rose of Lima Church. There will be a number of performers.

Rabbi Shaul Praver and friends will open the evening. Rabbi Praver studied for close to ten years in Jerusalem. He is a protégé of Cantor Naftali Herstic from Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue. He received voice training from great opera singers and teachers throughout his career.

The late Lazlo Halasz, founder and maestro of the New York City Opera, also worked with Rabbi Praver and hailed him as one of the finest tenor voices he had ever heard.

Cantor Penny Kessler, the director of the United Jewish Center Adult and Junior Choirs, will also be performing. Cantor Kessler has performed in concert, presented workshops, and participated in worship services at the National and Regional Biennial of the UAHC and conventions of the American Conference of Cantors. “Cantor Penny,” as the children of her temple call her, has been very involved in community events.

Cantor Debbie Katchko, full-time cantor at Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield, will also be performing. She specializes in Jewish music, culture and folklore.

Cantor Katchko is the past president and founder of The Women Cantors’ Network. She will perform the exquisite yet melancholy beauty of Jewish melodies that must never be forgotten.

Accompanying all of the singers will be Phil Waldstein and his band, a local group that plays at many area functions. Their many talents will be heard as they blend together with the variety of talent that will be performing.

The final performer for the evening is the well known pianist Chris Coogan, a talented composer, performer, teacher and much more. He specializes in jazz and gospel music, and is the director of the Good News Gospel Choir.

Tickets are $10 each, available in advance or at the door. The performance will be in the St Rose Church hall, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown.

For additional information call 426-7801 or 268-1342.