Choral First Night Selichos
Here is Chazan Yisroel Rotenberg and the Rinah Ensemble led by Chazan Eliot Alderman on Motzei Shabbos 13th September. Recorded live, edited.
The complete repertoire is:
-
Opening nigun & Ashrei - Glantz/Weisser
-
Tzadik Hashem - Secunda
-
Chatzi Kaddish - Traditional
-
Lechu Neranenah - Glantz/Kaminsky
-
Hateh - Schorr
-
El Melech - Traditional
-
El Melech - Julius
-
Bemotsaei - Jaffe/Herstik
-
Es Yemin - Julius
-
Drosh Na - Jaffe/Herstik
-
Zochalim - Herstik
-
R'tsei Asirosom - Rosenblatt/Machtenberg
-
T'vieinu - Levene
-
Shema Koleinu - Rumshinsky
-
Machnisei Rachamim - Fried
-
Shomer Yisrael - Alman
-
Full Kaddish - Gottlieb
And here below are few of the highlights of the 17th European Cantors Convention which brings together world-class chazanim and cantors, choral leaders, and passionate lovers of synagogue song from across the globe from 5th - 9th November 2025.
We have:
-
The Remarkable Eric Smith Archive – a collection of rare pre‑war Polish cantorial recordings and post‑war European greats, brought to life with expert commentary.
-
Torah Chant and Interpretation – exploring how ancient text and melody intertwine to shape meaning and emotion.
-
Latin American Jewish Musical Traditions – a vibrant journey through Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and local influences across the continent.
-
Cantorial Improvisation in the 21st Century – techniques and inspiration for leading spontaneous, authentic davenning.
-
The Music of the Yamim Noraim– deep dives into nusach, repertoire, and the spiritual arc of the Yamim Nora’im.
We also plan to re run our popular Creative Choral Ensembles where we encourage everyone registered to join in collaborative rehearsals for a collective performance towards the end of the Convention.
The Gala Concert is on Motzei Shabbos, 8th November, in Berlin’s historic Pestalozzi Synagogue with an array of attending cantors.
Commemoration & Reflection – marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on the last night of the Convention (9th November) we have a moving Kristallnacht remembrance in the city where history speaks powerfully to our present.
A Living Connection to Jewish Heritage – Enjoy a post-Convention guided tour of Jewish Berlin on the Monday.
And Shabbos will be in warm, communal atmosphere with inspiring services, rich harmonies, and communal Shabbos meals and singing.
Registration includes:
-
All convention sessions, concerts, and workshops
-
All meals during the programme
-
Access to the Berlin Jewish tour
-
Discounted accommodation rates
Early Bird Rate: £250 (until 15 September)
Standard Rate: £275
Register at https://forms.gle/XniR6kM4cq6ughzV9.