Some of these composers are closely connected to Lewandowski’s legacy and model their work on his choral music style, others however actively sought to depart from it, establishing new musical expressions in synagogue music that appealed to Jewish American culture.

The Louis Lewandowski Festival is organised by the Association of Friends and Sponsors of the Synagogal Ensemble Berlin. They are the only ensemble in the world which performs Lewandowski’s liturgy every Friday evening, every Shabbat morning and on all Jewish holidays. This weekend, the ensemble will be joined by an array of other ensembles and choirs from throughout the world including Zamir Chorale of Boston: »Boston to Berlin« and Ensemble Vocal Hébraïca de Strasbourg, to name a few. They will present compositions from Lewandowski as well as other Jewish composers.

The history of synagogue music has its origins in the cantor without musical accompaniment acting as prayer leader and intermediary between God and the congregation. In the 19th century Louis Lewandowski linked the Jewish tradition of an anthem between cantor and choir with occidental harmonics to produce a new harmony. In doing so he transformed Jewish worship into a musical experience. The resurgence in pride amongst the Jewish community at this time engaged with these innovative new worships and incited fresh vibrancy and popularity.

The 2014 Louis Lewandowski Festival will be welcoming choirs from all over the world and, as in previous years, will be under the auspices of Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin. The concerts are held at synagogues, churches and other cultural venues throughout Berlin.

• Read more: http://www.berlin.de/en/events/2819212-2842498-louis-lewandowski-festival.en.html
• Read more: http://www.louis-lewandowski-festival.de/home

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