Red River Radio will again have a number of wonderful, inspirational, thoughtful programs to help prepare for the new Jewish Year.
Airing for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur 5784
- Thursday 1pm 9/14/23
Birthday of the World PT 1
THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD MUSIC AND TRADITIONS OF THE HIGH HOLY DAYS PART I: ROSH HASHANAH - Sung by The Western Wind Narrated by Leonard Nimoy In this classic performance, 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. The Birthday of the World presents some of the most inspiring music in the Jewish liturgical tradition, performed by the acclaimed vocal ensemble The Western Wind. Mr. Nimoy's timeless narration focuses on the universal themes of redemption and divine forgiveness. "Sung by The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble with outstanding cantors, this is an ideal High Holy Days service with a splendid narration by Leonard Nimoy, the performance is outstanding for the beauty of its artistry."-Hadassah Magazine - Monday 12pm 9/18/23
Musical Memories of the High Holidays with Itzhak Perlman
For Itzhak Perlman, the Jewish High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – bring a flood of memories, many of them associated with music. In this one-hour special, the superstar violinist shares a wide variety of recordings that have special meaning for him, including several of his own performances. Ranging from classical gems to cantorial singing to raucous klezmer fiddling, the music will spark warm associations and an emotional response for all listeners. - Wednesday 1pm 9/20/23
Music for the High Holidays
Hosted by WQXR’s Naomi Lewin, Music for the High Holidays includes liturgical music, as well as classical compositions based on High Holidays melodies. The show features a new recording of Kol Nidre with violinist Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot of Park East Synagogue. Other local musicians in the show include the Juilliard String Quartet, and Cantor Benzion Miller of Young Israel Beth El in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Between the musical selections, Lewin explains the significance of the holidays and shares some of the traditions associated with them. “Everyone who’s Jewish grows up with certain High Holidays melodies,” said Lewin. “In addition to the traditional ones I heard as a child, I got to know some of the beautiful composed liturgy when I became a professional singer. This show includes a bit of each—plus some wonderful classical compositions based on music from High Holidays services. I’m delighted to share these treasures with listeners who know them intimately, as well as with listeners experiencing this rich musical tradition for the first time.” Wednesday 2pm 9/20/23
Sound the Shofar
The shofar, a trumpet made from a ram’s horn, has been heard in synagogues all over the world during the Jewish High Holidays since time immemorial. It has also been heard outside those contexts as a call to battle or a way for shepherds to summon their flocks.The primeval, evocative sounds of the shofar have captivated many classical composers and its powerful influence shows up in places you might not expect. Elgar, Bernstein, Gershwin, and Golijov have all emulated the shofar in their music, and to this day composers continue to be inspired by its sound and history.
Join us on an aural journey filled with an abundance of musical examples as we hear from Miguel Kertsman and the musicians who brought his Concerto to life. Composer Osvaldo Golijov and shofar virtuoso Steven Ovitsky provide insightful commentary about the instrument’s cultural, historical, and musical significance, and Jamie Bernstein shares the direct connection between the shofar and the music in Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.
Sound the Shofar! concludes with a glimpse into Miguel Kertsman’s new composition as he pulls back the curtain on his creative process, revealing the secular motivation that inspired him and the sound world he intended to evoke. The hour finishes with a complete performance of the Concerto from the NAXOS debut recording, featuring Gergely Sugar, horn and shofar; Orsolya Korcsolan, violin; and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dennis Russell Davies.
This special is produced and hosted by WFMT’s award-winning team of Louise Frank and Kerry Frumkin.
- Thursday 1pm 9/21/23 - Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. We're nearing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year, and the source of some of Judaism's most beautiful and soul-searching liturgy. Tune in to the next Sounds Jewish for potent music inspired by the day on which the proverbial Book of Life is sealed.
- Thursday 2pm 9/21/23
Birthday of the World PT 2
THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD MUSIC AND TRADITIONS OF THE HIGH HOLY DAYS PART II: YOM KIPPUR - Sung by The Western Wind, Narrated by Leonard Nimoy. In this classic performance, 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. The Birthday of the World presents some of the most inspiring music in the Jewish liturgical tradition, performed by the acclaimed vocal ensemble The Western Wind. - Sunday 1pm 9/24
ABOUT FAITH (with Rabbi Dr. Jana De Benedetti)
Special episode discussing Repentance