Join opera singers Chen Holtzman and Christopher Wall for an exploration of Hebrew vocal music, tracing its evolution from Jewish liturgical and folk traditions to the vibrant sound of contemporary Israel. This program delves into the role of music in nation-building during the Zionist era and the ways in which Hebrew music absorbed influences from Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Western cultures.

The program focuses on the rich musical melting pot that contributed to the development of Israel’s unique sound, blending these influences into both classical and contemporary expressions. As a special preview, the artists will present an excerpt from Cristiano Giuseppe Lidarti’s Esther, a rare 18th-century Hebrew oratorio, which will be fully performed at the JCC in March 2026.