European Cantors Association
Promoting the love of synagogue music
Bringing Together Cantors, Choirs, Composers, and Lovers of Jewish Music from across the World
Promoting the Love of Jewish Music. Supporting the Next Generation of Cantors
The inspiring festival generated by the European Cantors Association, celebrating the Music of Jewish Prayer, is back for 2026 from Shabbat Shirah through to June!
Let us a know your date so you can publicise this to your own Kehilah. If you tell us right away, we can include your shul name in our regular press announcements.
More here
If you missed our 17th Cantors Convention in Berlin (some participants are in the picture above and in the gallery below), you missed something special.
Thank you to everyone – chazanim, cantors, choirs and just those interested in shul music who came along in November. The ‘as delivered’ programme is at https://www.europeancantors.org/17th-convention-programme.
We are progressively also posting material from the Convention concerts, and also the various lectures and presentations, on our YouTube channel. If you subscribe to the channel you will get notified when new material is uploaded. Picture gallery at the bottom of this page
We are now planning our next convention. More information as we go through 2026.
ECA has published a major new book on Nusah
About the book
The Death and Life of Nusah explores the history, significance and challenges facing nusah (aka 'nusach') – the traditional synagogue chant of Jewish liturgy, examining the balance between conservation and innovation.
Charles Heller emphasises that nusah is more than music; it is a living tradition that embodies the history, spirituality, and identity of Jewish communities.
He argues that its preservation requires a balance between honouring the past and adapting to the present, ensuring that this unique heritage continues to inspire future generations.
You can download a pdf copy of the book of 78 pages with 90 music examples now at the introductory pre-launch price of £10. Email Charles at nusah.book@cantors.eu. (The download will be £15 after the launch.)
There will be printed copies of the book on the night for £15. (£20 by mail thereafter – contact Geraldine@cantors.eu)
The book is relevant for a wide readership including practitioners of synagogue music, synagogue managements, and students of Jewish religion, as well as the musicologist or the general reader who is interested in the processes by which traditional music is transmitted.
About the author
Charles Heller was born in the UK and graduated from Cambridge University. He is the author of several published books on synagogue music and has been involved in synagogue music as choir director and music arranger for over 50 years both in the UK and where he now lives in Toronto.
He has worked on synagogue services, concerts and recordings with leading cantors including the late Naftali Herstik and Louis Danto and Aaron Bensoussan, as well as working in concerts with the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, David Kusevitsky and Marvin Hamlisch.
Review Our 16th Cantors Convention: Budapest 2024
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The Convention review page is here
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The Programme 'as delivered' is here
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The Photo Gallery is both at the bottom of this page and here
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Our YouTube Channel (we are uploading new material weekly from the Convention) is here
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Our Instagram page (we are uploading new material weekly from the Convention) is here
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Our Facebook page, where community material from the Convention also appears, is here
Voice of the Cantor - Relive Our Zoom Series from 2021 and 2022 (Links under development)
About Us
Our Mission and Vision
The European Cantors Association (ECA) is a prominent platform for cantors, prayer leaders, and Synagogue music enthusiasts.
Our mission is to enrich synagogue services through meaningful dialogue, professional training, and the celebration of Jewish prayer music.
With a commitment to excellence, we offer a range of programmes, events, and services, such as Zoom series, conferences, conventions, and concerts and new for 2024, our 'From Our Lips' series.
At ECA, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Jewish worship while embracing modern approaches to enhance the spiritual experience for our community members.
We are an independent organisation, unaffiliated to any branch of Judaism but respectful of all, whether Orthodox or Progressive.
Join us in our journey to create engaging synagogue environments that resonate with the soul and allow people in Synagogue to fully connect with our Maker.
