Last modified: Monday, January 27, 2003
World-renowned cantor to give concert at IU School of Music
Alberto Mizrahi called "the Pavarotti of Jewish music"
Alberto Mizrahi, regarded as one of the finest cantors in the world and one of America's most accomplished voices, will perform an evening of cantorial music and Jewish song Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.at the Indiana University School of Music's Auer Hall. The recital, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the School of Music and the Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program at IU Bloomington.
Affectionately known to music lovers as "the Pavarotti of Jewish music," Mizrahi has thrilled audiences worldwide for more than 30 years, appearing in concerts at Avery Fisher and Carnegie halls in New York City, Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and Heychal Hatarbut in Tel Aviv, Israel. Mizrahi's repertoire spans nine languages, making his performances unique in the field.
Born in Greece, the only child of Holocaust survivors, Mizrahi has studied with the great master cantors David Kusevitsky and Moshe Ganchoff. His recordings include The Voice of a People, Love Songs of the Yiddish Theater, The High Holy Days (with Schola Hebraeica) and Birthday of the World (with The Western Wind).
Mizrahi reportedly received his nickname after he understudied the Italian opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. Critics have compared the two tenors because of their similar appearances (both men sport dark, full beards), radiant personalities and stirring voices. When he isn't traveling around the globe, Mizrahi serves as cantor for Chicago's historic Anshe Emet Synagogue.
Mizrahi's appearance is part of the Dorit and Gerald Paul Program in Jewish Culture and the Arts, which seeks to bring outstanding artists involved in the creation and study of Jewish art to Indiana. The series aims to represent the richness and diversity of Jewish cultural and artistic expression.
