SAN DIEGO — Two dozen gentlemen, sporting silver vests, matching ties, black shirts, trousers and derbies, filed into the event space of the University City branch of the San Diego City Library to deliver a spirited program that prompted the audience to clap, sing, and even dance.
The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir is under the direction of Ruth Weber. In a matching outfit of dark pants and silver colored silk top, the talented music director inspired her male forces to sing with precise ensemble, dynamic contrasts, and accurate diction. Nearly half of the men had solos during the course of the program, showcasing their individual talents. Particularly notable were: the master of ceremonies — the enthusiastic South African native, Shaun Edelstein; French-born, David G’mach, in his rabbinical role in the Yiddish favorite, Der Rebbe Elimelach; Bernardo Bicus, soloing in the Ladino Avram Avinu; and the small, but significant contribution of Steve Markowitz, in his deep basso profundo.
It was his wife, Fiona, who got up to dance when the choir sang the Second Avenue Yiddish Theatre Song, Dire Gelt. Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh joined Fiona, swaying with her baby in her arms. Jana will be conducting a six-week course on Yiddish songs at the Lawrence Family JCC, starting Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. It is no wonder that she was there to enjoy this beautiful program with its many Yiddish selections.
The Jewish Men’s choir’s offerings included songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, English, Russian, and Ladino.
Among their English numbers were Verdi’s Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, from Nabucco; and Sam Glazer’s clever and jazzy Shabbat. Some of their Hebrew renditions, like Hallelujah, were from the synagogue liturgy, while others were Israeli tunes, like the medley of songs beginning with Artza Alinu.
For some songs, the men included choreography — even high-kicking routines — and for one, a parody using the Belafonte-famous Day-O, changed to Vay-Oy, they even donned Hawaiian shirts and leis.
Not only did the men sing their hearts out; they also infused their performance with a feeling of warm camaraderie and harmony. Kol Hakavod to Ruth Weber and the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir. This is a community resource deserving of our support and pride.
2 thoughts on “S.D. Jewish Men’s Choir had ’em dancing in the aisles”
Abraham Romanowsky
The members of the Jewish Men’s Choir enjoyed singing at the U.C. Library.
The room has good accoustic. The audience was very welcoming and pleasant.
We sang there for the second year in a row and are looking forward for next year.
On behalf of myself and the men in the choir I want to thank you so much Eileen Wingard for this wonderful and thorough review of our concert! We appreciate it so much.
Sincerely,
Ruth Weber- Director, SDJMC
The members of the Jewish Men’s Choir enjoyed singing at the U.C. Library.
The room has good accoustic. The audience was very welcoming and pleasant.
We sang there for the second year in a row and are looking forward for next year.
On behalf of myself and the men in the choir I want to thank you so much Eileen Wingard for this wonderful and thorough review of our concert! We appreciate it so much.
Sincerely,
Ruth Weber- Director, SDJMC