On May 10, 2023, within the prestigious confines of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Adrienne Haan, the internationally renowned chanteuse celebrated for her electrifying performances in the realms of concert and cabaret, graced the audience with an unforgettable evening. This sold-out spectacle, titled “Tehorah,” was presented under the patronage of Israel’s UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, and Rabbi Arthur Schneider of Park East Synagogue, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.
Adrienne Haan’s performance, featuring a repertoire spanning German, Hebrew, and Yiddish songs, delivered with unmatched heart and fervor, once again left New York spellbound. From the evocative tunes of Weimar Berlin in the 1920s to the Promised Land’s magnetic allure, Ms. Haan’s mastery of vintage cabaret compositions were an irresistible force.
“Tehorah,” the concert’s aptly chosen name, draws its meaning from the Hebrew word for “pure.” It served as a beacon for musical enlightenment, as the evening’s journey explored themes of sorrow, hope, love, and forgiveness through the exclusive works of Jewish composers and librettists. Adrienne Haan’s deep connection to the historical cabaret material was evident, captivating the audience with her commanding stage presence, accompanied by an outstanding all-female Israeli orchestra.
Devotees of Hebrew and Yiddish melodies, along with diplomatic dignitaries hailing from Israel, Germany, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and beyond, congregated for this remarkable occasion. Adrienne Haan, in her characteristic style, delivered a performance to be remembered. Her commanding, emotionally charged voice, adorned in an eye-catching red sequin jumpsuit and top hat, evoked the spirit of the legendary Marlene Dietrich.
Ms. Haan conveyed a message of “love and peace,” a reflection of her own persona that harmonized seamlessly with the evening’s thematic essence. Her impeccable articulation transcended linguistic boundaries, breathing life into the musical genre. Through subtle shifts in posture and the graceful eloquence of her hands, Ms. Haan added profound depth to the structured melodies, her face mirroring the emotional nuances even during interludes of silence.
The Hebrew and Yiddish songs drew from a wellspring of heartfelt yearning and nostalgic melancholy, perfectly complementing the minor-key lyricism found in compositions by contemporary Israeli folk singer Chava Alberstein. Notable among these were her renditions of “The Exclusive Garden” and “I Stand Beneath a Carob Tree.”
Adrienne Haan’s impeccable taste and enchanting stage presence undeniably ensured the event’s resounding success. The audience, well-acquainted with many of the songs, frequently joined her in a silent reverie, often moving to tears. Haan took a poignant moment to address the prevailing issue of antisemitism and the global unrest, urging us to remain vigilant, compassionate, and kind while reminding us of the ever-present threat of a recurrence of the Holocaust.
The show concluded with the beloved anthem, “Jerusalem of Gold,” eliciting a thunderous standing ovation from the audience. It was a nostalgic and profoundly meaningful journey that Ms. Haan invited us to embark upon as we celebrated Israel’s 75th year as a nation.
Written by Meyer Harroch for Orchestra Management. New York Jewish Travel Guide
