SHIR JOY NEWS
January 2020
Together We Sing!
Shir Joy Chorus will present its Winter Concert, "Together We Sing!" on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough, MA. In light of recent hate crimes, this concert of Jewish music seeks to foster understanding and to bring our community together through song. Selections will include rounds and part songs from ancient times to the present in Hebrew and English, and will include instrumental soloists on violin, cello, and clarinet, as well as piano accompaniment by Lisa Marcus-Jones. Featured numbers will include "Pray With My Feet," based on the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., and "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor," based on Irving Berlin's song from Emma Lazarus's poem, woven in with Berlin's "God Bless America." Shir Joy's concerts always include a sing-along, so be prepared to sing together!
NOTE: Snow Date is Sat., Feb. 15th at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $15. May be purchased on the website or at the door.
Westborough Mini-Tour
On Sunday, January 5th, Shir Joy hit the road and took their music to the Westborough Senior Center and the Westborough Public Library, offering free short concerts at both locations. The chorus was well received and was a big hit with the children who attended the concert at the library.
Songs of Hope II
Shir Joy Chorus was pleased to be invited once again to “Songs of Hope,” a concert to celebrate the historic partnership between the African American and Jewish communities. The concert took place on Sunday, December 8th at the gorgeous WamsWorks building in Worcester. In addition to Shir Joy presenting its own set of songs, the chorus also backed up Cantor Rachel Reef-Simpson, as well as guitarist Charles Ketter for their performances. Other presenters included the Knights of Zion, Drummer Mitch Gordon, and duo Steve Shuster and Mike Pascarella. All the groups joined together in leading the finale, “We Shall Overcome.” The concert was sponsored by the Worcester Black-Jewish Alliance, the Worcester NAACP, the Jewish Federation of Central MA, and WamsWorks.
Celebrations
Shir Joy Chorus members love celebrating together. This year, we were fortunate to have both the first and last nights of Chanukah land on rehearsal days!
Aging Enjoyably in a Connected Westborough
Karen R., Lois, & Betsy represented Shir Joy Chorus at this interesting event geared toward senior citizens and held at Westborough High School on Sunday afternoon, November 3rd. Following several presentations in the auditorium, attendees could visit a plethora of tables in the gym where community organizations had tables providing information on their activities. Many people stopped by Shir Joy’s table. Fliers were distributed, and goodies provided by Karen & Lois were enjoyed by all.
Arts in Common
The Westborough Cultural Council’s Arts in Common festival celebrated its tenth anniversary this fall. The popular free festival took place on Saturday, October 5th at Bay State Commons in Westborough and featured music, dance, and other performances on the stages, as well as crafts booths, and food for sale. As a grateful recipient of a grant from the Westborough Cultural Council, Shir Joy Chorus was happy to participate again this year on what turned out to be a beautiful and sunny fall day.
Fundraisers
Over the summer, Shir Joy held three dinner fundraisers, one at Panera Bread and two at Not Your Average Joes. The chorus raised some money while also immensely enjoying the opportunity to stay connected over the summer.
Open Rehearsal
The chorus was very pleased to welcome several new members this fall. (Welcome Jill, Roz, Kathy, and Stephanie!) We will be holding another open rehearsal on Mon., February 17th. New and potential members are invited to join us. No auditions are necessary - just a quick meeting with the director to discuss placement. New voices are needed on all parts. The concert will be on Sunday, June 7th. Come join the Joy!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Feb. 9, 2020 , 7:00 - 8:30 pm: Together We Sing!, Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough (snow date: Sat., Feb. 15, 2020, 7:30 pm)
Mon., Feb. 17, 2020, 6:00-8:30 pm: Open Rehearsal, Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough
Sun., April 9, 2020: Community Wide Yom Hashoah Commemoration, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Westborough
Sun., May 3, 2020, 4:00 pm: Communities of Song, Wesley United Methodist Church, Main St., Worcester
Sun., June 7, 2020, 7:00 pm: Spring Concert, Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough
About Shir Joy
Shir Joy Chorus is an adult (age 16+) community chorus, dedicated to learning, sharing, and performing Jewish music from the rich and varied Judaic cultures of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Although many temples & synagogues have choruses which sing on the holidays, we are the only year-round pluralistic Jewish chorus in Central Massachusetts. The Chorus performs music in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, and other languages. Founded in 2011, it is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, funded by the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts, the Westborough Cultural Council (a member of the Massachusetts Cultural Council), and private supporters. The chorus is non-auditioned and is open to all people regardless of ethnicity or religious background.
Shir Joy is a musical organization dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of the breadth and beauty of Jewish culture through performances and related activities. In addition to our two annual concerts at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough, the Chorus performs at other events in Worcester county, including fundraisers for the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Central Massachusetts.
To donate, go to http://www.shirjoychorus.com/donate/ where you can donate online, or send a check to Shir Joy Chorus, 3 Elizabeth Dr., Westborough, MA 01581.
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Editor: Betsy Fox
