Jerusalem Youth Chorus celebrates 10 years with YMCA concert
Guest stars David Broza, Mira Awad, Sameh Zakout and Guy Mintus to join alumni and members for evening of song and stories
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a concert August 8 at the Jerusalem International YMCA, with special guests and youth chorus friends David Broza, Mira Awad, Sameh Zakout and Guy Mintus.
The celebratory concert will join alumni with current members and guest stars for an evening of songs and stories representing the performers’ musical traditions.
The playlist includes chorus standards such as Fairouz classic “Nassam Aleina el Hawa,” and the chorus mashup of Hadag Nahash’s “Zman Lehitorer” with “My Shot” from “Hamilton,” as well as original songs written collaboratively by chorus singers.
Last week, the Jerusalem Youth Chorus released three singles, including a cover of the song “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” and two originals written collaboratively by the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue groups that are part of the chorus.
“Sing for You” shares their stories of growing up amid violence and pandemic, and their determination to be there for one another, even through difficult times. The second, “Yesh Banu Hub,” is an anthem of hope in interwoven Hebrew and Arabic.
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is an Israeli-Palestinian music and dialogue project, aimed at empowering Jewish and Arab youth in Jerusalem to “speak and sing their truths,” said founder and artistic director Micah Hendler.
The aim of the project is to enable participants to become leaders in their communities and inspire others to work for peace, justice, inclusion and equality, added Hendler.
The chorus has been featured locally and globally for its innovative musicianship, with live performances and music videos — including collaborations with David Broza, Ziggy Marley and Andy Grammer — that have reached millions around the world.
In 2018, chorus alumna Eden Alene won Israel’s X-Factor singing competition, becoming the first Ethiopian Israeli selected to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The August 8 concert will take place at 8 p.m. at the Jerusalem International YMCA. Tickets are available for purchase online.
