Young Singers Welcome as New Season Begins in Westchester for HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir
Teens entering grades 8-12 are encouraged to join the Westchester chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir for a rewarding combination of music, culture, leadership and friendship. Rehearsals for the 2025-2026 season begin in September, culminating in a gala performance at the new David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City next spring with hundreds of HaZamir singers from across the United States and Israel. An open house for interested singers is scheduled for September 7. For more information, email HaZaWestchester@gmail.com.
HaZamir was created by Maestro Matthew Lazar, Founder and Director of the Zamir Choral Foundation, to provide an opportunity for accomplished young singers to perform great Jewish music at the utmost standard of excellence and sing on the world’s biggest stages.
“HaZamir gives young people an outlet to celebrate their Jewish heritage, connect with one another and feel a sense of belonging and pride through the creative outlet of music,” says Matthew Lazar. “Now, more than ever, this supportive community is crucial to teens.”
HaZamir members rehearse weekly in their local chapters with expert conductors, as well as at regional, national and international gatherings throughout the year. The three-day annual HaZamir Festival leading up to the annual gala performance brings Israeli and American teens together to rehearse, socialize and participate in facilitated encounter groups that allow for cultural exchange and understanding. HaZamir singers in 11th and 12th grade also have the chance to apply for the selective HaZamir Teen Leadership Program and serve as role models for a new generation of leaders.
“It’s really gratifying to see the young singers creating such strong bonds with one another as they discover the music and texts of the Jewish people and perform them at the highest level,” says Dr. Marsha Bryan Edelman, conductor of HaZamir Westchester. “There is no better place for a musical Jewish teen than HaZamir.”
“HaZamir teens are given the unique opportunity to express their Jewish identities through their love of music while learning responsibility and interacting with peers from a range of backgrounds,” adds Vivian Lazar, Director of HaZamir. “The healing power of choral singing also boosts mood and self-esteem, which fosters future success in all areas of their lives.”
The HaZamir choir is comprised of teenagers in 26 American chapter locations including Baltimore, Bergen County, NJ, Boca Raton, Boston, Brooklyn, Central New Jersey, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, LA Valley, Los Angeles, Long Island, NY, Manhattan, MetroWest NJ, Miami, Minneapolis, New Haven, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Silicon Valley, CA, South New Jersey, Washington, DC and Westchester County, NY and in 9 cities in Israel.
HaZamir teen singer Jaynie R. sums up the joys of joining her peers from across the U.S. and Israel: “We have a lot in common: we’re Jewish, we love to sing, and we’re all committed to music. When we perform, it’s so special because we’ve worked on this all year, and then we come together and get to know each other. At the same time, the songs have such great meaning, and it becomes very emotional. All in all, it’s an amazing experience.”
For additional information about HaZamir, email hazamir@zamirchoralfoundation.org or visit www.hazamir.org.