CONCORA Presents World Premiere Of Hebrew Prayer In B Minor

WEST HARTFORD, CT — CONCORA will present the world premiere of Hebrew Prayer in B Minor on May 1 at 4 p.m. at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford.

Hebrew Prayer features the complete music of Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor – considered the greatest work in the choral repertoire and featuring many early music styles such as Italianate Baroque, German fugue, and Polonaise.

The adaptation makes parallels to the original Latin Mass text (such as in movements that praise God) and expresses them in the words of ancient Hebrew prayers. Sung in Hebrew, the work will be performed by CONCORA's singers and soloists with a chamber orchestra under the direction of Chris Shepard, artistic director.

The concert is made possible by The Roberts Foundation and the Friends of Bach – a volunteer committee that raises awareness, appreciation, and funds in support of CONCORA's Bach programs. Friend of Bach and West Hartford resident Cheryl Wadsworth recently attended a rehearsal.

"The portion of the Hebrew Prayer I heard tonight was fascinating; the emotion within the music is still there," she said. "How wonderful that one of Bach's greatest works can be heard in a synagogue and move more people. We’re lucky to have this unique opportunity to hear Bach’s music with a new spiritual connection right here in West Hartford."

Hebrew Prayer is the creation of Dr. Eric Weitzner, a devotee of Bach's music and former student of Hebrew and Jewish theology.

"In 2005 I began to have a sense of regret that there was no tradition of sacred Jewish music that rivalled that of the Christian tradition of Mass settings," he said. "I was familiar with Salamone Rossi’s vocal settings for the synagogue, and knew that Bloch and Milhaud had done settings of Jewish services. But there was nothing that approached Bach’s Mass in B minor in grandeur.

"One day I had the idea that it might be possible to replace Bach’s Latin text with a Hebrew one. I realized that even if it were possible, it would be a difficult task, and that no one besides me was likely ever to attempt it."

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To learn more of Weitzner’s story in developing this adaptation, visit www.concora.org. Tickets for reserved seating from $49 - $20 adults and $12 students. and may be purchased at concora.org or 860-313-1410.Founded in 1974, CONCORA -- Connecticut Choral Artists -- is a professional choir of more than 40 singers. Acknowledging that music transforms and enriches people’s lives, CONCORA perpetuates and performs with excellence choral music of the highest quality for the broadest possible audience.