Sacred Service Symposium
Explore Ernest Bloch’s humanistic, inclusive and life-affirming masterpiece Avodath Hakodesh (“Sacred Service”) through three evenings of music, expert discussion and personal histories in “Sacred Service: Prayer for the Whole of Humankind,” June 7, 8 and 10. Over 40 years from 1911-51, Bloch produced seven seminal works on Jewish themes. Sacred Service (1935) transcends its functional liturgical roots to become a cultural icon alongside the great sacred works of other traditions by Handel, Haydn, Beethoven and many others. Its message is one of hope, survival, unity and reassurance for all. We’ll expand the discussion to include personal histories of migration to Rochester’s neighborhoods during these formative years. Use the form below to register for this event. Learn more! Watch a brief introductory video from Eric Townell. Rehearsing virtually? Find the learning tracks and background information on the music here.
Symposium Schedule
June 7, 2021 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET
“Music in Jewish Liturgy”
Cantor Isaac Assor, Hazzan Randall Levin, and Rev. Dr. C. Denise Yarbrough discuss the meaning and symbolism and the role of music in Jewish liturgy. Moderated by Eric Townell. Virtual rehearsal of Sacred Service follows at 8:00.
Where: VirtualCost: Free of Charge
June 8, 2021 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET
“Universal Mass or Jewish Oratorio: Bloch’s Beethovenian Vision of Brotherhood in the Sacred Service”
Presented by Dr. Klára Móricz. Bloch’s music, nusach and musical motifs: the historical and cultural context. Moderated by Eric Townell. Virtual rehearsal of Sacred Service follows at 8:00.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free of Charge
June 10, 2021 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
“Contributions of Immigrants to Rochester, NY: Personal Stories.”
Presented by Lisa Kleman. Like many immigrants, Ernest Bloch made great contributions to his adopted country. Stories of immigrants that came to Rochester at this time and their contributions will be explored. Moderated by WXXI’s Mona Seghatoleslami.Where: VirtualCost: Free of Charge
Tell us your story! We’re gathering stories about the immigrant experience in Rochester, 1900-1925, from the Rochester Jewish community and others, which may be featured during the symposium and compiled for a memory book to be published at our November 21 performance. Click here to share your story (.doc or .docx files preferred).
CLick the video below to watch Eric Townell discuss ROS’s upcoming performance.
Register Here
Fill out the form below to register for the event, links to join each session will be provided via email.
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This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.
Stay tuned for additional updates on performances of Sacred Service coming this fall.
