PBS will air violinist Itzhak Perlman and cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot performing the opening song “Yism’Khu (They Shall Rejoice)” backed by The Klezmer Conservatory Band and The Rejoice Chamber Orchestra on Thursday, August 28 at 9 pm. New Yorkers take note: Thirteen will air the program nearly a month later on Sunday, September 21 at 7pm on THIRTEEN, not PBS.
In Rejoice is set to be an evening of cantorial masterpieces, Yiddish folk and theater tunes, Hassidic melodies, and klezmer instrumentals; showcasing liturgical and traditional works in new arrangements for both chamber orchestra and klezmer settings.
The music of Rejoice with Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot defines the similarities between Perlman’s classical technique and Helfgot's astounding voice, a long awaited collaboration.
"It was a dream to someday sing with him," said Helfgot. "And now the dream has become real."
The Joshua Waletzky directed program also features works by Elie Wiesel, Joel Grey, and Neil Sedaka.
Perlman feels the collaboration represents "the completion of a cycle" of accompanying three idols: lacido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and now chief cantor at Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue, Helfgot. Perlman and Helfgot have also recently collaborated in Great Performances 40th Anniversary Celebration
With piano accompaniment by music director Dr. Hankus Netsky Perlman and Helfgot present an evening of material that is equal parts as joyous and spiritual.
The program will vary, ranging from Jack Yellen and Lou Pollack's "A Yidishe Mame" to Shlomo Carlbach ("The Singing Rabbi")'s "Adir Hu" and Cantor Israel Schorr's "Sheyibone Beys Hamikdosh.”
Below, then is but a clip of the evenings Jewish musical tastings.
