KZ's mission is to sustain and interpret the great tradition of Jewish choral music, serving as a musical resource for the region and encouraging the composition of new Judaic choral works. The group now includes representatives from 21 Chicago-area synagogues as well as several unaffiliated members. Kol Zimrah provides a common forum for Jewish singers from many backgrounds in the pursuit of musi
cal excellence. Our mission is to sustain and interpret the great tradition of Jewish choral music, serving as a musical resource for the region, and encouraging the composition of new Judaic choral works. Kol Zimrah has most recently performed in Paris at the Synagogue Union Libérale Israélite de France with today’s guest, Cantor Sofia Falkovitch. In recent years, the choir has had the distinction of performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti; in the Siamsa na Gaei Celtic Celebration at Orchestra Hall, joining the choir of Old St. Patrick’s Church with conductor Stephen Alltop and narrator Martin Sheen; and with Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Masters Singers, and Hershey Felder. KZ also performed at the Max Janowski Centennial at KAM Isaiah Israel in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Kol Zimrah has had the honor of performing concerts commemorating Kristallnacht that were streamed live nationwide. KZ performed two oratorios: Ruth by Aminadav Aloni and selections from Mendelssohn’s Elijahwith the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra under conductor Philip Simmons. The choir has performed at esteemed functions such as the North American Jewish Choral Festival, the American Conference of Cantors Convention, and Jewish United Fund fundraisers as well as at many local synagogues. In addition, Kol Zimrah has performed at the Chicago Theater, the UIC Pavilion, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, and the Chicago Cultural Center. As part of fulfilling its mission, Kol Zimrah has appeared at the Lieberman Geriatric Health Center and the Weinberg Community for Senior Living, regularly performed a Hanukkah concert at the Union League Club of Chicago, and presented annual Hanukkah concerts at the SelfHelp Home. Kol Zimrah has also collaborated with the choir of the Bright Star Church of G-d in a joint performance of Jewish and gospel music. Kol Zimrah has been featured on several recordings, including The Chicago Cantorial Tradition with Hazzon Alberto Mizrahi and Ernst Bloch’s Sacred Service with the Lakeside Congregation Choir and Cantor Michael Davis. Kol Zimrah’s chamber choir has performed live on WFLD television and on WFMT in Chicago, streamed globally through their website. A 501(c)(3) organization, Kol Zimrah is supported by contributions from members and benefactors. If you are interested in joining the choir or being a supporter of any kind, please contact Michael Mitzen, president, at [email protected] or www.kolzimrah.org. Although Kol Zimrah means “voice of song,” to the members of KZ it means spending untold hours of joy and spirituality sharing Jewish music with a family of kindred spirits.
