Mixed Jewish Chorus

Based in Philadelphia, PA

We began as a choir assembled by Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton -- cantor, singer, voice teacher, and choral conductor -- for a ceremony after the death in 1998 of a longtime Mishkan Shalom singer. Liz named the group Makhelat Micha'el (Michael's Choir).

Conductor/composer Janice Hamer directed the choir from 1999-2011, after which Rabbi Liz returned to lead us. We welcomed Miriam Davidson as our conductor beginning September 2013. Our repertoire is broad; we explore all branches of Jewish choral music, from the classical composers (Rossi, Mendelssohn, etc.) to contemporary American, Israeli, and other Jewish pieces. We maintain a continuing repertoire of arrangements of Yiddish, Ladino, Yemenite, and other 'ethnic minority' works. We also perform peace and freedom songs and have performed in Arabic as part of several Middle East peace concerts. In addition, we have premiered several works by members of the choir and of Mishkan Shalom. This may be the only choir that sings in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, Ladino, Zulu, and Arabic!

We have added a nickname to our choir: Hinenu! This means 'Here I am!' and resonates with how we show up for each other and the community at large.

Concerts have included such events as the Thanksgiving Northwest Interfaith Movement service, a performance at the Lovett Memorial Library in Mt. Airy with the Summit Presbyterian Church Choir, Delaware Valley Jewish Choral Festival, a collaboration with a local African-American church, a collaboration with Intercultural Journeys (an ensemble of Arab and Jewish musicians), a service during the Gay Pride Festival, participation with Mothers Against Violence and with the Philadelphia Interfaith Peace Walk, performances at retirement communities and many Mishkan events. In short, we are a community choir that works on and performs a concert repertoire while also contributing music suitable for peace and justice events to the greater Philadelphia community. A warm, extended-family atmosphere makes the choir socially enjoyable as well as musically challenging.

Founded - 1998.   Piano.   Non-Auditioned.

Audition Policy - Singers should be able to carry a tune and hold their part in the group. Ability to read music is not required but is helpful. The conductor may hear new singers informally. Please let us know if you would like to check us out!

Rehearsal Information - Tuesday 7:30 pm

More Info

Contact Mishkan Community Choir