Bernstein Davening in the Vernacular

The Jewish Daily Forward contains a fascinating article on Leonard Bernstein for both his “Trouble in Tahiti” opera and a new book by Barry Seldes “Leonard Bernstein: The Political Life of an American Musician” (University of California Press). http://www.forward.com/articles/112431/

Hadassah Magazine Features Klezmer

A terrific picture by Jean Fruth of Cookie Segelstein, klezmer violinist, graces the front cover of Hadassah Magazine this month with a feature article on traditional klezmer music, written by George Robinson. There are lots of photos including Cookie, Josh Horowitz, Stu Brotman, Andy Statman, Alicia Svigals, Pete Rushefsky, Joel Rubin, Michael Winograd, Yale Strom, and others. George does a good job of explaining the branch of klezmer that focuses on traditional folk and how it differs from other groups. Cookie, Josh and Stu have a group called Veretzki Pass, which is an amazing group, especially to hear in person. It might be noted, as his article touches on the topic of sources, that we owe a debt of gratitude to klezmer musicians such as Josh Horowitz and Bob Cohen for years and years of dedicated research in Europe on recovering as much authentic music as possible. Josh has also transcribed some of his findings in a book which was briefly reviewed on this site Sephardisches Liederbuch (The Sephardic Songbook): 51 Judenspanische Lieder (51 Judeo-Spanish Songs) back in 2002. [ http://www.jmwc.org/jmwc_bookandscore_reviews.html. ] George also gives a "must haves" listing for this style of klezmer music in the article. To find out even more details about recordings and klezmer music and the musicians in this Hadassah Magazine feature, visit the Klezmershack. http://www.klezmershack.com, the world's premiere website devoted to klezmer music with over 12 years of materials, commentary and reviews of recordings, listings of bands, articles and just about anything one would like to know about klezmer music.

If you're not a member of Hadassah and don't get the magazine at home, you can find out about subscription inquiries to get a copy at 800 664-5646 or look at the Hadassah website at http://www.hadassah.org

Job Opening in New Orleans

Tulane University through Library Associates Companies (LAC) seeks a creative, dynamic Head of Music & Media Librarian to work within the Public Services Division at an academic library located in New Orleans, LA. Reporting to the Director of Public Services, the Head of the Music and Media Librarian will play a key role in the Library’s efforts to rebuild its world-class music collections, which were heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. He or she will participate in committee service within the library and through professional activity help to advocate for the interests of librarians at Tulane and throughout the profession. The librarian may share reference duties with other librarians at a central Reference and Information Desk including some evening and weekend duty; and participate in the library’s instruction program. RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Develop new music and media collections in both digital and print formats;
* Act as bibliographer and liaison to the Music and Communication departments, providing reference and instructional services;
* Supervise a full-time Media Specialist who oversees the day-to-day running of the library’s music & media facility;
* Manage the development of a growing collection of audio recordings, video recordings, and other media which support the university curriculum, including a Film Studies program within the Department of Communication.
* Develop a dynamic vision for the library’s music and media resources, following national trends, current research, and the latest practices in the field;
* Participate in committee service within the library and through professional activity help to advocate for the interests of librarians at Tulane and throughout the profession;
* Some reference duties as required;
* Participate in the library’s instruction program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program or a significant background in music;
* Knowledge of music bibliography as evidenced by course work or experience;
* Two (2) or more years experience in reference and instruction in an academic library setting;
* Advanced degree in music or musicology or an interest or experience in film and media studies is preferred;
* Knowledge of trends in music and media librarianship including emerging digital formats;
* Familiarity with copyright, licensing and preservation issues;
* Excellent communication and teaching skills;
* Enthusiasm for an innovative and changing environment;
* Previous experience in collection development and a demonstrated skill in library instruction is preferred;
* Willingness to participate in professional development and in the shared governance of the Library and the University.

TO APPLY:

* For immediate consideration please email your cover letter and resume to Recruiter Brad Rogers at, jobs@libraryassociates.com.
* Please reference position title as the subject line of your email.
* Library Associates Companies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that values diversity in the workforce.

Faith Steinsnyder featured in Forward article

An article in the Forward about Faith Steinsnyder and her impact on the American cantorate on the July 9th worth viewing. http://www.forward.com/articles/13728/

Jewish Music Distribution Contact Info

For those that want the contact info for Jewish Music Distribution, here's the most recent:
Noa Lachman
Jewish Music Distribution
PO Box 67
Hailsham BN27 4UW
UK
Free phone: 0800 7811 686
Tel/Fax: (44) 01323 832 863
Website: www.jewishmusic-jmd.co.uk
email: orders@jewishmusic-jmd.co.uk

Gala Concert kicked off NY's Celebration of Israel at 60

"On March 30th, the Zamir Choral kicked off New York City's celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Israel to a sold-out Carnegie Hall. The star-studded concert featured the Zamir Chorale and Friends, including the legendary Theodore Bikel, Debbie Friedman, Cantors Alberto Mizrahi, Jack Mendelson and Lorna Wallach, and a special guest appearance by HaZamir: The International Jewish High School Choir, all under the direction of Matthew Lazar, Founder and Director of the Zamir Choral Foundation.

The concert traced the history of Israel through music, with musical selections that ranged from Hebrew chant through favorites from the beginnings of the state to contemporary peieces, including the world premiere of Israeli composer Yehezkel Braun's Bayom HaHu, specially commissioned for this concert.