Opening of first Jewish Holiday Concert Series at the Moscow House of Music

On September 22, more than 500 patrons poured into the Moscow International House of Music Theater Hall to enjoy a historic concert in honor of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. The performance was the first in a four-part concert series, "The Jewish Holidays in the Red Hills," organized by JDC as part of the House of Music's cultural program. The series, supported by JCC Nikitskaya, is the first of its kind – expressing Jewish themes through various types of artistry – to be featured at this venue.

The next performance, during Chanukah, is also expected to play to a sold out crowd. Proceeds from each of the four concerts will benefit "Children SOS", a JDC initiative that provides urgent care for Jewish children with mental or physical illness or other debilitating conditions whose families do not have adequate resources to provide for them.

"The Jewish Holidays in the Red Hills" series will combine many genres of modern, Jewish, secular art, boasting the participation of renown vocal, theater, folklore, and jazz teams. The opening program included several musical compositions by popular artists and an appearance by Yuri Sherling, founder of the Jewish Chamber Music Theater. Traditional themes were also woven into the program, as JDC arranged for Rabbi Yisroel Zelman to compose music to the text of "The Sacrifice of Avraam" for this particular concert.

"I am so glad that I came to this performance," said one ticket-holder who vows she will return to see another show in the series. "To see such talent and feel so connected to the Jewish themes, it was an honor."

A television crew from the state-run "Culture" channel shot footage at the event, which aired extensively on the evening news.

The final two concerts, featuring a similar amalgam of past and present; acapella and jazz; and classical and folk music, will also be held in celebration of Purim and Passover.