|
May 21, 2004/Sivan 1 5764, Vol. 56, No.35
Clarion callEditorialWhen he departs the Valley this month for El Paso, Texas, taking his voice, flute and baton, Cantor Marc Philippe will be saying "shalom" to a more harmonious place than he entered three years ago.In his brief tenure here, Philippe has led a musical awakening that promises to resonate throughout the community for decades to come. Though he came to Beth El Congregation in Phoenix as cantor and Talmud Torah director, he raised his voice in song well beyond the sanctuary walls, entertaining listeners across the Valley and inspiring other singers and instrumentalists to join in making beautiful religious and secular music, on occasions ranging from celebrating holidays to simply creating joy. Most indelibly, Philippe organized the Judaic Cultural Orchestra, showcasing Jewish singers, musicians and actors from throughout the Valley. The JCO has performed twice, debuting with "An Evening of Pops, from Gershwin to Garfunkel," last May to a sold-out house at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, and followed by "Radio Days" in December. For Philippe and other Valley cantors, including Cantor Sharona Feller of Temple Chai and Cantor Mikhal Shiff-Matter of Temple Beth Israel, the concerts have provided a wonderful opportunity to step out of their traditional roles and celebrate secular music written by Jewish composers. Two Valley nonprofits, Arizona Friends of American Red Magen David for Israel and Hadassah Valley of the Sun Chapter, helped organize and benefited financially from the concerts. We hope that members of these groups will support the JCO in future opportunities to play our tunes. Philippe also helped to mount "Sephardic Night Live: Celebration of Sephardic Song & Spirit" in September 2002, when 500 concertgoers attested to the growing strength of the Valley's Sephardic Jewish community. The newest player in the Valley's Jewish music scene comes from the secular world. J.A.V.A., the Jewish Artists of the Valley Association, aspires to be the central forum for Jewish arts and artists in the Valley, offering networking and mutual support. If the group succeeds, it likely will be a resource for families and organizations looking for musicians to entertain at their events. Of course, the sweetest sounds of all emanate from the new and old music that infuses congregational services across the Valley, calming our minds and soothing our souls. Philippe initiated a monthly musical Shabbat service at Beth El. Hundreds of worshipers gather weekly for a song-filled Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Chai. Raw Kabbalah draws hundreds of young adults to Beth El for a monthly musical service. "Sing to the Lord a new song," Psalm 96 advises. Thank you, Cantor Philippe, for helping our community find its voice. |
