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Music at Emanu El: Season Five

WELCOME to the Fifth Season of
MUSIC AT EMANU EL!

This season, we continue our collaborations with the Shepherd School of Music, the Phillip Hall Singers, and the Evelyn Rubinstein JCC, while beginning an exciting new partnership with the Rothko Chapel. We also look forward to bringing the Houston community together for a joyful a cappella Chanukah concert.

See the Brochure

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this season’s performances reflect the many voices that have shaped our shared American story.

I am deeply grateful for all we have shared over the past four years and delighted to share another season of extraordinary music with you. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting season of music and connection!
Cantor Rollin Simmons

 

The fifth season of
Music at Emanu El!

Schedule at a Glance
  • September 5: Jewish Voices, American Sound
    Shepherd School of Music students present a celebration of the Jewish American composers whose music helped define an American sound.
  • November 15: Volunteer Choir Annual Showcase
  • December 4–6: Chanuka-Capella with BerKalit
    Artists in Residence
    BerKalit is a Jewish a cappella group pushing the boundaries of Jewish music with nothing but their voices.
  • January 15: The Phillip Hall Singers
    Phillip Hall, brings his choir to our Friday Shabbat worship as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
  • February 20: From Broadway to Big Band: The Jewish Visionaries of America’s Songbook
    Discover the legendary Jewish composers who helped shape America’s musical identity and define the swing era.
  • April 11: Sacred Intersections: A Concert Celebrating Pluralism and Presence
    Where do our traditions meet? Where do they stand apart? Join us for a musical journey through the meeting points of faith and culture.
THE SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONCERT
Jewish Voices, American Sound
Saturday, September 5| 7:30 PM
$18 admission

In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Shepherd School of Music students present a program celebrating the Jewish American composers — Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and others — whose music helped define an American sound.

Reserve your seat!
VOLUNTEER CHOIR ANNUAL SHOWCASE
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 4:00 PM

A musical showcase highlighting the journeys of America’s diverse people and their struggles for freedom and equality. Featuring historic folk songs, inspiring medleys from musical theatre, and music by celebrated Jewish composers.

CHANUKA-CAPPELLA WITH BERKALIT
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Friday, December 4–6, 2026

BerKalit is a national award winning Jewish a cappella group based in Boston, MA founded and directed by Mayta Cohen. Touring nationwide to share their music, BerKalit pushes the boundaries of Jewish music with nothing but their voices.

Presented in partnership with:

Friday, December 4

6:00 p.m.: Chanukah Shabbat Evening Service followed by a community dinner

Saturday, December 5

10:30 a.m.: Shabbat Morning Service with Cantor Simmons
7:00 p.m.: Community Chanukah concert and candle lighting ($18 General Admission)

Sunday, December 6

10:30 a.m.: Adult Education: The Beauty of Vocal Harmony

THE PHILLIP HALL SINGERS
Friday, January 15, 2027 | 6:00 PM

Our renowned pianist, Phillip Hall, brings his choir to enhance our Friday Shabbat worship as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The Phillip Hall Singers are a unifying force to all who hear them, regardless of age, gender, culture, ethnicity or socio-economic background, bringing truth to the idea that music is the “great unifier.” Along with our volunteer and youth choirs, let us fill the Barish Sanctuary with joyful song!

From Broadway to Big Band: The Jewish Visionaries of America’s Songbook
Saturday, February 20, 2027 | 7:30 PM
$36 General Admission

Discover the legendary Jewish composers who helped shape America’s musical identity and define the swing era. This concert traces the journey of songs by George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, and Harold Arlen—from the Broadway stage to iconic big band arrangements—featuring vocal classics made famous by bandleaders Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.

Enjoy an evening of light bites, drinks, and dancing in this soulful, swinging tribute to the pioneers who gave jazz its enduring heart. Presented in partnership with:

Sacred Intersections: A Concert Celebrating Pluralism and Presence
Sunday, April 11, 2027 | 4:00 PM
Rothko Chapel
Suggested Donation $10–25

Where do our traditions meet? Where do they stand apart? Sacred Intersections is a musical journey through the meeting points of faith and culture. Featuring Cantor Simmons, musicians and faith leaders from diverse backgrounds, this concert honors the distinct beauty of each tradition while uncovering the shared human experiences that connect us across lines of belief and practice. Presented in partnership with:


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