We wish all of our listeners observing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur a happy and healthy New Year. Join us on WRTI to experience music for the High Holidays.
Our Rosh Hashanah celebration begins on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Join us during the day to hear festive Jewish music for the holiday, including works by Salamone Rossi and Ernest Bloch. And then from 5 to 6 p.m. we bring you Musical Memories of the High Holidays with Itzhak Perlman. One of the greatest violinists of our time shares the memories and the recordings that mean the most to him this time of year—from cantorial singing to raucous klezmer fiddling, to classical favorites, including several of his own performances.
Listen on-demand here.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, we'll have more music to mark the holiday, and then from 9 to 10 p.m. on WRTI HD-2, you'll hear The Birthday Of The World, Part I. Recorded over a decade ago, Leonard Nimoy and The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble join forces to explore the rich and profound musical and spiritual traditions of the Jewish High Holy Days. You'll hear some of the most inspiring music in the Jewish liturgical tradition, performed by the acclaimed vocal ensemble The Western Wind. The late Mr. Nimoy's timeless narration focuses on the universal themes of redemption and divine forgiveness.
Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, Oct. 11 with Kol Nidre and from 5 to 6 p.m. you'll hear Music For Yom Kippur narrated by Naomi Lewin. This program commemorates the holiday with traditional melodies and classical music. Performers include tenor Richard Tucker, cellist Ofra Harnoy, the London Philharmonic, violinist Miriam Kramer, and pianist Simon Over. Later, you'll hear The Birthday Of The World, Part II hosted by Leonard Nimoy from 9 to 10 p.m. on WRTI HD-2.
On Yom Kippur day, Oct. 12, join us for contemplative works by David Diamond and Ernest Bloch.
Watch cantors from Park Avenue Synagogue in NYC perform Max Janowski’s Avinu Malkeinu:
Watch cellist Amit Peled in a live performance of Prayer (from Jewish Life) by Ernest Bloch:
The High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are among the most sacred days of the year for Jews around the world. This year, 5785 on the Jewish calendar, the holiday season begins at sundown on Oct. 2 and ends with Yom Kippur at sundown on Oct. 12. The 10-day period is a time for reflecting on the past year, making amends, and celebrating the new year with family and friends.