‘Psalm Enchanted Evening’: Interfaith voices join in song at Cantors Assembly gathering
Music’s ability to move people and tell stories cuts across 'so many different backgrounds and religions'
Even a room with vaulted ceilings can’t contain a multitude of voices. With chants climbing to the top of Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland, five choruses, including singers from Pittsburgh and around the world, joined for an evening of memorable music.
Delighting those packing the pews were choirs from Beit Kulanu, the Cantors Assembly Convention, Calvary Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts 6–12 and Saint Paul Cathedral.
The June 8 program, Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers said, “continues the message that has been part of the fabric of Pittsburgh: that we are all in this together and that we work together, and that’s how we build a better society.”
Speaking with the Chronicle, Myers, Tree of Life Congregation’s rabbi and president of the Cantors Assembly, described multiple events — including the “Psalm Enchanted Evening” concert — tied to a June 7-11 Cantors Assembly conference.
Some events, such as a roundtable discussion with thought leaders exploring the profession’s evolution and future were closed to the public. Other programs, such as several evening performances, were enjoyed by thousands of Pittsburghers and visiting professionals The Cantors Assembly convention, which organizers called “Repairing the World, One Bridge at a Time,” afforded multi-day opportunities for reflection, conversation and professional development, according to Myers. The June 8 concert, in particular, highlighted the power of “shared music” to foster greater understanding and social connection.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor echoed the sentiment and told the Chronicle that music’s ability to move people and tell stories cuts across “so many different backgrounds and religions.”
Having cantors from across the globe descend on Pittsburgh and sing alongside students and community members of different faiths, O’Connor continued, “shows the welcoming city that we are.”
For more than an hour on June 8, choirs performed pieces with lyrics inspired by the Book of Psalms. Included in the setlist was “Psalm 150” and “The Lord is My Shepherd,” performed by Saint Paul Cathedral Parish and Pittsburgh Diocesan Choir; “Hinei Mah Tov” and “Psalm 23,” performed by Beit Kulanu; “The Harvest” and “Lift Every Voice,” performed by Pittsburgh Creative and performing Arts; “Lord I Love Your House” and “Psalm 23,” performed by Calvary Episcopal Church; and “Nachon Libi” and “Shir Lama’alot,” performed by Cantors Assembly Chorus.
“There is a reason that music is called the language of the soul, never really able to be understood but deeply felt, embraced and lived,” Father Kris Stubna, pastor and rector of Saint Paul Cathedral Parish, said. “In Pittsburgh, brothers and sisters in faith, companions on the journey, joined in our desire to give glory and praise to our God, the God of our fathers whom we love so deeply, and to build the bridges that we walk together, that join us together as people of faith, as neighbors, so that we can reflect in all that we do, the goodness and love of our God.”
Along with welcoming guests to Pittsburgh, City Controller Rachael Heisler credited concert organizers and participants, and said, “The opportunity to bring people together to sing songs from all traditions is just a really remarkable thing, particularly given what’s going on in the world.”
Demonstrating support for religious harmony is important, agreed Squirrel Hill resident David Levine. “I feel like it’s the right thing for us to do in Pittsburgh in this time.”
As notes from an organ nearly 200 feet above sounded, Greenfield residents Martin and Lenore Resick enjoyed the June 8 show. Martin Resick reminisced that, for about 20 years, he sang with the Saint Rosalia choir.
Listening to so many similarly dedicated singers was a gift, he said. It’s a chance to “hear beautiful noise.” PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
comments