Biennale The Music and Culture of the Synagogues
Avitall Gerstetter / Photo: Jim Rakete
Jewish mores, folklore music and art are the fruits of an eventful, turbulent 3,000-year history with numerous golden eras. This centuries-old tradition is reflected in the unique riches of Jewish melodies, culture, stories, symbols and modes of expression.
Almost extinguished by the incomprehensible crimes of the National Socialists, Jewish cultural life has slowly been finding a new home in the Ruhr region during recent decades. Indeed, within Germany, the Ruhr is the region with the most Jewish communities and worshippers. New synagogues and community centres, for instance in Gelsenkirchen, Bochum and Duisburg, are drawing in more and more people.
Despite its fascinating character, the Jewish culture of the synagogues is still largely unseen in the public sphere. Yet it opens up worlds that were undiscovered, forgotten or deliberately buried. In 2010, as part of "Biennale The Music and Culture of the Synagogues", acclaimed international soloists and choirs will present the beauty and riches of sacred Jewish music in the tradition of the composers Salomon Sulzer and Louis Lewandowski.
Highlights of the Biennale programme in 2010 will include performances by the Synagogal Ensemble Berlin under the baton of organist and choir director Regina Yantian. The ensemble is made up of members of Berlin opera choruses and freelance soloists. It is the only ensemble in the world that performs Louis Lewandowski's liturgy every Friday evening, every Shabbat morning and on all Jewish feast days.
With its extensive repertoire based on historical writings, the Synagogue Choir of Leipzig presents a cultural heritage that is not performed in this form by any other European ensemble.
Also in the line-up is Avitall Gerstetter, an outstanding musician who recently wrote history by becoming the first female Jewish cantor in Germany, and the renowned musicologist Tina Frühauf, who works in New York.
In addition to these top-class concerts, Jewish cultural events in other areas are planned: insights into Jewish literature, philosophy and theology, plus opportunities to sample Jewish cuisine and attend talks, conferences and workshops. The Biennale events will take place in the region's synagogues and concert halls.
May - July 2010
Synagogues in the Ruhr Metropolis
Artistic Director: Dr. Manfred Keller
Partner: Protestant Forum of Westphalia