Concert Programme:
8pm, Sunday 9 June 2002 at Yakar
Welcome to Kol Rina's first London concert!
Kol Rina is a rather unique little group. We started about 5 years ago
in Cambridge as a bunch of j-soc students who just fancied a bit of singing.
We re-formed in London a few years later and have grown to 14 members.
Unlike most choirs, we only sing "a cappella", meaning unaccompanied
by any musical instruments. Many of the songs you will hear tonight were
composed or arranged by members of the group. You may detect our varied
sources of musical inspiration - including traditional, gospel, classical,
minimalist and pop.
Past performances include: Limmud Conferences 2000 and 2001, Leeds One
Day Limmud, and Jewish Book Week 2001. We also do occasional recitals at
care homes, and were featured on Shalom FM in January.
Singing today are: Alicia Ambrose, Andrew Levy, Benjamin Ellis, Dan Myers,
Emma Sevitt, Jonny Cohen, Julian Gilbey, Karin Shmueli, Miki Grahame, Natalie
Grazin and Sam Cohen.
Next month Dan Myers is doing a 300-mile sponsored cycle ride across Kenya.
We have chosen to donate £1 from each ticket to the two charities which
the bike ride is supporting.
Norwood cares for disadvantaged and deprived children together with people
of all ages with learning difficulties. Its projects include day care services,
homes in the community, and the Ravenswood Village - a thriving residential
community in Berkshire for people with varying degrees of ability.
The Down's Syndrome Association exists to create and develop the conditions
which will enable people with Down's Syndrome to attain their full potential.
It provides support, information, advice and counselling to people with Down's
Syndrome, their families and carers.
To keep up with future Kol Rina events or find out more, please visit our
website: http://www.kolrina.org
Or contact Miki Grahame, miki@kolrina.org, 07944 634 544
Thanks to: Yakar, Andy Shaw, and to Sarah Lightman & Goldie Grahame for
stage design.
First Half
Ashira
Words: Psalm 104
Music: Miki Grahame
We open with an impassioned song about singing: "I will sing to God
while I live..."
Words: Shabbat morning service
Music: Miki Grahame
A slower setting of the verses sung before removing the Torah from the
Ark.
If you can walk
Words: Adapted from Zimbabwe Folk Wisdom
Music: Linda Hirschhorn
A catchy musical conversation: "If you can walk, then you can dance;
if you can talk, then you can sing!"
Ozi V'zimrat Kah
Words: Hallel (Psalm 118)
Music: Miki Grahame
These verses, from which we take our name "Kol Rina" ("voice
of joy"), describe God as our might and saviour.
Ani Ma'amin
Words: Based on Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith
Music: Miki Grahame
A contemplative piece expressing the twelfth principle: our faith in the
coming of the Messiah.
Ma Nishtana
Words: Pesach Haggada
Music: Alicia Ambrose
How is this night different from all other nights? Because you've probably
never heard Ma Nishtana sung like this before!
Mochel Avonot
Words: Selichot
Music: Based on an arrangement by Stephen Glass
Legend has it that this music was found in the choir loft of Egerton Road
Synagogue many years ago, and its origins are lost in the depths of history!
Ilu Finu
Words: Nishmat (Shabbat morning service)
Music: Miriam Margles
"Ilu finu malei shira kayam" - "Were our mouths as full
of song as the sea..."
Ata Echad
Words: Shabbat afternoon service
Music: Miki Grahame
A lively setting for this piece, which celebrates shabbat: a day of rest,
truth and love.
Eli Eli
Words: Hannah Senesh
Arrangement: Alicia Ambrose
This piece asks God for the unchangings of the world to never cease: the
sand and the sea, the washing of the water, the thunder of the heavens -
and the prayer of man.
Kah Echsof
Words: Shabbat Zemer by R. Aharon of Karlin
Music: Miki Grahame
The chorus translates as "God, I yearn for the pleasantness of Shabbat,
which is twinned and unified with your treasured people!"
Not by might
Words: Zechariah 4:6
Music: Linda Hirschhorn
A moving song of peace that emphasises the important dialogue between Jewish
and Muslim communities. "Not by might, not by power, but with love"
Uvney Puzzle Canon
Words: Grace after meals
Music: Mozart
A classical tribute to our admired Ashkenazi Mozart.
Shuva
Words: Motzei Shabbat verses of redemption (Isaiah 44:22-23)
Music: Miki Grahame
In this song the heavens and earth are commanded to break forth in song,
as God has redeemed us.
Shomer Yisrael
Words: Weekday services (Tachanun)
Music: Miki Grahame
In this lively piece, we ask God to protect the unique and holy people
of Israel.
