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At the scholarship dinner LYA will present special awards to Charlie and Jan Nirenberg and Paul Cohen and his late wife Harriet in recognition of their contributions to the school. Dinner chairs Fay Smith and Amy Benzell-Sidman are pleased to announce that Cantor Morton Shames plans to perform a program of Yiddish, Hebrew and general melodies of memories of years passed in recognition of the award recipients. Cantor Shames solo recitals have been heard from Los Angeles to Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston and Portland, Maine. In addition, he has traveled with opera impresario Sarah Caldwell to Russia in order to bring Jewish music to the Jewish community of Siberia. Shames returns each year as soloist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra bringing music from the Jewish tradition of Chanukah. In a recital in Merkin Hall in New York City, the New York Times referred to his singing as "passionate and refined." "It is an honor for me to participate in an event where Charlie and Jan Nirenberg and Paul Cohen are receiving awards," Shames said. "I've been close to the Nirenbergs and Paul Cohen since I've been a cantor at Beth El. They are supportive of my work in the community and are constant friends." Shames accepted the position as Cantor of Temple Beth El in Springfield after he was ordained from the Cantors Institute of The Jewish Theological Seminary in 1955. In his entire career, Temple Beth El is the only congregation he has served. On a national level, Shames prides himself in having the distinction of being the first graduate of the school to become president of the Cantors Assembly. In his work as Chairman of Placement for the Cantors Assembly for these many years, he has been in contact with conservative cantors and congregations throughout the world. In 1995, Shames was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary. "My participation is a way to say thank you to Charlie and Jan Nirenberg and Paul Cohen for the many years we've shared in the community," Shames said. Shames has always integrated the energy and creativity of his musical life with active participation in the life of the community around him. He has been honored by the Conference of Community and Justice for his efforts in fostering better relationships among different ethnic groups through music. He and his wife, Frances, have been honored by Israel Bonds, Heritage Academy and are proud founders of the Community Music School of Springfield which now boasts over 900 students, many on full scholarship. As past President of the Cantors Assembly of America, he was one of the featured soloists at the 50th anniversary celebration in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Voice and a Masters Degree in Musicology from Boston University. Shames was heard on National Public Television in "A Taste of Chanukah" with the Klezmer Conservatory Band, conducted by Hankus Netsky, and actor Theodore Bikel. "It is such an honor for LYA to have Cantor Shames perform at the scholarship dinner," Smith, said. "His performance will truly enhance the evening." For Ad Book information please e-mail lyaadbook@gmail.com. For sponsorship of a table for the event or dinner information, please call Amy Benzell-Sidman or Smith at 567-8665. | ||||||
