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

1917 photo of Ernest Bloch. Wikipedia.

In May, the Vermont Choral Union will perform the Sacred Service (Avodath Hakodesh) by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch (1880-1959). In preparation for this concert, musicologist and choral conductor Nathaniel Lew will introduce this seminal 1933 composition for chorus and orchestra or organ, widely considered the finest concert-music setting of the Shabbat morning liturgy.

Lew will examine the circumstances of the work’s commission by Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, and its composition, premiere, and performance history. And we will listen to and delve into its music, which draws deeply on the European oratorio and Jewish musical traditions, as well as Bloch’s own uniquely expressive idiom.

Having served as a Professor of Music at Saint Michael’s College for 22 years, Nathaniel Lew is currently Executive Director of the Barre Opera House; Artistic Director of the Counterpoint Chorus; Chorus Master of the Opera Company of Middlebury; and Chorus Director at the University of Vermont.

— Notes from Lunch & Learn Coordinator Wayne Senville:
1. As soon as ticket information is available for the May 2026 performance of Bloch’s Sacred Service, we will post it here.
2. Bloch was also a creative, talented photographer, and friend of Alfred Stieglitz. The Ernest Bloch Society has a treasure trove of his photos posted online.

Please Register Here to Help Us Plan

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.