On the evening of Sunday, September 22, 2024, Hebrew Union College in New York hosted a sold-out concert that ushered in the Jewish New Year in a deeply meaningful way. The concert featured scholarship recipients of the Ronen Foundation of America, established in memory of RONEN ISRAELI (1968-1992). It was not only a showcase of extraordinary musical talent but also a powerful testament to the impact of community support in fostering the next generation of Israeli classical musicians. Yaffa Israeli, Chairwoman of the Ronen Foundation, dedicated the event “with love to my beloved son Ronen Israeli and the foundation that was born over 30 years ago to advance young musicians.”
The Ronen Foundation has a longstanding mission of supporting young artists by alleviating the financial challenges of pursuing a musical career—an invaluable cause that this concert brought into focus.
The concert’s program was impressively diverse, weaving together Western classical music, musical theater, jazz, traditional Israeli songs, and klezmer. This blend of styles allowed the audience to experience the vast emotional and cultural range of the performers, many of whom displayed extraordinary versatility. From the opening piece to the final notes, the concert was a journey through different musical worlds, united by a shared thread of passion and excellence.
Baritone Noam Heinz Silverman delivered a deeply stirring performance, bringing vibrant energy and profound emotion to the stage with his renditions of Kaddish and Zemer Ahava Layam. Silverman’s rich, resonant voice carried the weight of both pieces with gravitas, effortlessly moving between moments of solemn reflection and emotional intensity. His interpretation of Maurice Ravel’s Kaddish, a prayer traditionally recited in remembrance, was particularly moving, filling the hall with a sense of reverence and connection to Jewish tradition. In Zemer Ahava Layam, Silverman brought warmth and lyrical beauty, offering a captivating vocal performance that echoed the theme of love for the sea.
Accompanied by Yonathan Senik on piano enhanced the emotional impact of the performance. Senik’s sensitive and skillful piano accompaniment provided a seamless foundation, perfectly matching the shifting moods of the pieces.
Ella Bukszpan’s viola performance was equally captivating, adding a layer of emotional depth and resonance to the ensemble’s pieces. Her soulful interpretation brought a warm, rich texture to the music, enhancing the emotional narrative of each composition. Whether blending harmoniously with the ensemble or taking the spotlight during her solo moments, Bukszpan’s viola imbued the performance with an additional sense of poignancy and grace, further elevating the concert’s emotional journey.
Tenor Gilad Paz delivered a standout performance with his powerful and expressive rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables. His rich, commanding voice filled the hall with emotion, drawing the audience into the heartfelt plea of the song. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Paz’s ability to blend classical technique with theatrical intensity brought a unique depth to the performance, leaving the audience mesmerized by his vocal prowess and control.
Noa Blumer, the mezzo-soprano, enchanted the audience with her warm, resonant voice. Her performances of Les Feuilles Mortes by Joseph Kosma, Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel, and I Dreamed a Dream showcased not only her vocal versatility but also her ability to convey deep emotion through song. Blumer’s voice, with its rich tones and lyrical beauty, created an intimate connection with the audience, making each piece feel personal and profound. Her performance was both technically superb and emotionally captivating, standing out as one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Tal First demonstrated remarkable versatility and technical mastery, delivering a flawless performance of the Intermezzo from the FAE Sonata. His playing was a perfect blend of grace and precision, capturing both the lyrical and dramatic elements of the piece. First’s sensitivity to dynamics and expression showcased his deep understanding of the music, allowing him to effortlessly convey the emotional subtleties that lie within the sonata’s intricate structure.
At the heart of the ensemble was pianist Yonathan Senik, whose sensitive and masterful accompaniment created a steady foundation for the performances. His nuanced interpretation provided both support and contrast, allowing the other musicians to shine while also showcasing his own remarkable skill in his solo performance of Etude-Tableau Op. 39 No. 3. Senik’s command of the piano brought out the delicate textures and intricate passages of the piece, highlighting his technical prowess and expressive touch.
The rich tones of Tamar Sagiv’s cello and Leerone Hakami’s violin added depth and complexity to the ensemble. Sagiv’s cello provided a warm, resonant undercurrent, while Hakami’s violin contributed a bright, soaring quality, together creating a harmonious blend of sounds that captivated the audience. Their combined artistry added layers of emotional richness to the music, making the performance a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
A particularly moving highlight of the evening was the inclusion of Klezmer music. The Klezmer medleys performedby clarinetist Itay Dayan with Senik’s accompaniment, brought a traditional, lively flavor to the concert, reminding the audience of the deep cultural roots of Jewish music. The infectious rhythms and emotive melodies had the audience tapping their feet and swaying in their seats, culminating in the final piece, L’chaim, where everyone joined in standing and singing, bringing the concert to a joyful conclusion.
Beyond the musical performances, the event highlighted the critical work of the Ronen Foundation in supporting the next generation of classical musicians. The scholarships provided by the foundation are vital to young Israeli artists, helping them manage the often-prohibitive costs of education, instruments, and other expenses necessary for building a career in music. The evening’s performances were a testament to the impact of this support, enabling these musicians to focus on their craft and produce truly stunning results.
This concert was more than just an evening of music—it was a celebration of community, hope, and the future of classical performance. The performers’ talent and passion reflect the Ronen Foundation’s unwavering dedication. The audience was encouraged to continue supporting this mission, with donations helping to ensure that these young artists can continue to develop their extraordinary talents.
As the final piece concluded and applause filled the room, the audience left with a sense of fulfillment and inspiration. This concert, marking the Jewish New Year, served as a beautiful reminder of the importance of investing in young talent to ensure that the rich traditions of music and culture continue to thrive for generations to come. Ronen’s memory lives on through the beauty and inspiration of classical music, and the foundation is blessed with dedicated friends and volunteers who carry out its mission.
For those able to contribute, supporting the Ronen Foundation is more than just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of classical music and the cultivation of the next generation of talented artists who will uphold and elevate this timeless art form. The concert, with its profound spirit of renewal, hope, and beauty, embodied the essence of Rosh Hashanah and reflected the foundation’s inspiring mission to cultivate young musicians. Through such contributions, the legacy of music and culture continues to flourish, ensuring that the passion and artistry witnessed during this evening will inspire audiences for years to come.
Please come to visit the next concert performance in Miami on November 13, 2024. For further information, please email at ronenfoundation@gmail.com
For those who would like to contribute:
RONEN FOUNDATION of America
Account Number: 0000353033
Bank Name: IDB Bank
ABA/Routing Number: 026009768 (for wires in the US)
Tax ID 26-4028954
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
