// An Exploration by Musicologist & Choral Conductor Nathaniel G. Lew

Salomon Sulzer. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 30th and 31st, the Vermont Choral Union will present concerts in Burlington titled Avodath Hakodesh – Four Hundred Years of Jewish Sacred Music. The repertory includes choral works by liturgical composers Salomon Sulzer and Louis Lewandowsi, other Jewish composers such as Salmone Rossi and Leonard Bernstein, and composers from outside the Jewish tradition.

Taking the pieces on the VCU program as examples, musicologist and choral conductor Nathaniel G. Lew will explore what makes music “classical,” “Jewish,” “sacred,” and “liturgical.” We will listen to examples and examine issues such as the status of choral singing in Jewish tradition and the role of the Book of Psalms in Jewish and non-Jewish religious practice. The talk will stand on its own, and will also serve as preparation for what promise to be fascinating performances.

Having served as a Professor of Music at Saint Michael’s College for 23 years, Nathaniel G. Lew is currently Choral Director at the University of Vermont, Artistic Director of Counterpoint Chorus, and Chorus Master of the Opera Company of Middlebury.

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About OZ’s Lunch and Learns:

Speakers cover a wide range of topics. A delicious lunch will be offered, which is served promptly at NOON. The talks begin at about 12:15pm and end no later than 1:15pm (including some time for Q&A).

Suggested cash contribution of $10 for food can be paid on the registration form or collected at the event — but feel free to give more or less. Please also consider being a sponsor of one or more Lunch & Learn talks. Information on this is on Lunch & Learn talk registration pages, or contact OZ Program & Engagement Manager Evan Rose at: 802-864-0218 ext 801.