ABOUT US

The Zemel Choir, established by Dudley Cohen in 1955, is proud of its international reputation as one of the world's finest mixed voice Jewish choirs. Our wide ranging repertoire embraces all the traditional Jewish cultures, Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Yiddish and Israeli. We regularly perform in major venues throughout the U.K. and overseas, and, besides singing well known favourites, are particularly proud to present new music, often specially commissioned, from contemporary composers.

TV and Radio appearances include the 1986 live television and radio broadcast of Kaddish for Terezin from Canterbury Cathedral, the Expressions of Reconciliation and Hope service in York Minster in 1990, Radio 4's Holocaust Day edition of Sunday Worship in January 2001, and this January, BBC1 TV Songs of Praise Holocaust Day broadcast.

 Over the years we have made many recordings, the most recent of which - The English Tradition of Jewish Choral Music conducted by Robert Max, with cantor Moshe Haschel - was described as "a fascinating and beautifully performed selection of synagogue music from the 19`^h and 20'^h centuries".

We have travelled extensively to the U.S.A., Canada, Israel, and Eastern and Western Europe, and in 1993 participated in the Polish Holocaust Memorial ceremonies in Warsaw and Treblinka, to commemorate the 50`^h anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. At the 1996 Zimriyah Choral Festival in Jerusalem, we were invited to sing at the opening ceremony concert which was broadcast live on Israel Radio. Our latest overseas trip was in October 2001 when we made a most successful tour of The Czech Republic and Hungary.

Plans for 2006 include concerts in London and the provinces, and beyond that a further recording, and a possible tour of either Israel or the U.S.A.

The Choir has maintained its reputation as a result of professional musical direction, and a strong commitment to rehearsals by its members. We come together not only to sing, but to be part of a warm and friendly social group. We are always happy to welcome new members, and to find out more about us, visit our website at www.the-zemel-choir.org or phone our membership secretary on 020-8868 8423.