Music has always been an important part of Jewish culture. From worship to holidays, klezmer to cantors, it’s a part of Jewish cultural identity. Here in Seattle, you can find a unique opportunity to celebrate all kinds of Jewish music as a member of the Seattle Jewish Chorale! This fabulous community choir welcomes singers from all backgrounds to be a part of something truly special.
About the Seattle Jewish Chorale
The Seattle Jewish Chorale is a volunteer, non-profit, multigenerational auditioned community choir. Founded in 2008, their mission has been to “engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds with the beauty and diversity of the Jewish experience by performing works from across the spectrum of the Jewish choral repertoire.” Their concerts are true celebrations of Jewish culture and heritage, working to foster unity, understanding, and respect within the Jewish community and beyond.
While the majority of their music selections center around Jewish music and culture, musicians of every religious background (not to mention creed, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, and disability) are welcome to audition and be a part of the Chorale. They believe that music is a wonderful way to achieve “tikkun olam,” or a healing of the world, and the more people who contribute to the heart and soul of the Chorale, the better!
The musical repertoire of the Seattle Jewish Chorale includes songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, and Ladino. You may find yourself singing songs that are sacred or secular, a capella or accompanied, and spanning genres like classical, pop, folk, and jazz.
The Chorale is led by Musical Director Jacob Finkle, who has been an active member of the Chorale for over a decade. A K-5 music educator by day, Finkle’s love of choral music and music leadership make him a fabulous fit for the Seattle Jewish Chorale.
Singing All Year Long
Every year, the Seattle Jewish Chorale performs two major events: A Hanukkah and a spring concert. You may also find them performing at other community events around the city, including Holocaust Remembrance Day, Interfaith 9/11 Memorials, and even the NW Folklife Festival. You may also find them performing at venues like the Seattle Jewish Film Festival, Town Hall Seattle, Crossroads Bellevue, Temple B’nai Torah, The Summit at First Hill, and the Caroline Kline Galland Home.
Whether you’re singing as a member of the Chorale or enjoying a concert from the audience, you’ll be delighted to experience a variety of music styles. You may find yourself enjoying classical German or Italian pieces, pioneer songs of Israel, Jewish camp songs, and even famous Yiddish theater numbers. Chances are, whether you’re performing or listening, you’ll leave a Seattle Jewish Chorale concert humming a tune and tapping your toes!
Auditions
Interested in auditioning for the Seattle Jewish Chorale? Auditions are typically held at the beginning of the year. You don’t have to be a music professional – but just have a love for singing! Singers of all voice parts and levels of experience are welcome, though they could particularly use tenors. If you want to hear a sample of their work, then check out their website for concert recordings!
Celebrate Your Voice And Culture With The Seattle Jewish Chorale
The Seattle Jewish Chorale is an amazing way to gather and celebrate Jewish culture and heritage through music. So check out one of their concerts, or consider auditioning yourself!
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