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on behalf of
The American Society for Jewish Music
for the Conference
"The Art of Synagogue Music"
November 12-14, 2006
New York City
Biography of Bonia Shur
Composer Contact:
Email: benayahu@fuse.net
Since his appointment in 1974 as Director of Liturgical Arts, Bonia Shur has taught
hundreds of rabbinical students. Composer Shur has had a unique impact on music in the
Reform Jewish Movement in America. He has over 300 published compositions in use in
the synagogues and on stage across the country and abroad and is a versatile composer. In
addition to his vast liturgical repertoire, he has written for theater, television and film. In
1966 he collaborated with Johnny Mandel on the vocal score to the motion picture "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." In 1968, he received a National
Television Academy Award for his music to the TV special, "Revolt in Mode'in. His orchestral music was played by the Israeli Radio Orchestra, Minneapolis Chamber Symphony and Cincinnati Chamber Symphony. His choral works were performed and recorded among others by The Sarasota Chorale Symphonic Chorus, The Nova Singers of Florida, Oshkosh Chamber Singers, "The Rinat Choir of Israel," Chicago Children's Choir. Mr. Shur has an extremely diverse background; he was born in Latvia, escaped the Nazi invasion, fought in the Russian Army, emigrated to Israel, and lived on kibbutz for many years before coming to the United States in 1960. His music integrates and reflects the many diverse cultural heritages in which he has lived.
More Information About Bonia Shur
"Fanchon, Bonia Shur offer a 'S'lichot experience'," The Jewish Press. Omaha, Neb.: Sep 7, 1990. Vol.LXVII, Iss. 50, p7.Hershenson, Roberta. "Uphill Climb in Financing Church Music," The New York Times, April 16, 2000, Sunday, Late Edition, Sec 14WC, p15.
Livingston, Patricia. "Church to mark its 125th birthday; Methodist service, buffet are planned," Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA) January 11, 2001, p1.
"Sabbath celebration in song to be held at Temple Israel," The Jewish Press. Omaha, Neb.: Oct 13, 1989. Vol.LXVII, Iss. 3, p9.
(Go Back to "American Judaism's Lost Legacy" Ten Composers Page)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
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November 5, 2006
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