3 Decades of pioneering dedication to the Jewish community
For the last forty years, since we first started to take a post-graduate degree in Jewish studies at Oxford, Robin and I have devoted our lives to our large family and to the Jewish community, never seeking either honours or profit from our work. We have, however, first through the Spiro Institute and then through the Spiro Ark tried to spread knowledge of Jewish history and culture through lectures, thought-provoking and inspiring musical, theatrical and historical events. We believe that these have inspired endless academics, musicians, artists and teachers, not to mention the many thousands of students both in this country and the USA. Nothing like their broad vision existed when they originally set out on their ground-breaking journey. The name Spiro which was originally associated with a lovely dress shop on the West End has since become a household name in this country and abroad for the quality of their secular Jewish educational programmes.
Thousands of letters of appreciation from all over the world have been collected during the years but one of the most moving tributes is a recent song cycle by the well known composer Julian Dawes entitled "Be The Change You Want to See". The subject of the cycle is the yearning for peace and is a setting of a range of texts from the Bible, the Mishnah, contemporary and ancient Hebrew and Israeli poets plus non Jewish poets, such as HH the Dalai Lama and Mahatma Ghandi.
"This work", says Julian Dawes, "is dedicated to Nitza and Robin Spiro in recognition of their tireless efforts in promoting Jewish Culture through The Spiro Ark, and previously the Spiro Institute and for their constant support for myself and for many others."
The Spiro Ark could not have received a more moving and fitting tribute. Robin and I are touched by the sentiments and enthusiasm of Julian Dawes and by the calibre of the artists involved who have embraced this project with such great dedication. Robin said: "We have never sought honours or profit and for us such a tribute is worth many an official award. Both Nitza and I hope that all who have participated, enjoyed and had their eyes and minds opened to a vital additional approach to their Jewish heritage, will join us to celebrate two decades of our work at the Spiro Institute and over a decade of the Spiro Ark's achievements.
The concert will begin with readings of War Poetry by Geraldine James OBE. Geraldine has been described by Sir Peter Hall as one of the greatest English classical actresses. Among her many accolades are four BAFTA awards.
The various artistes adding to the standard and spirit of this special concert are:
Gwendolen Burton is based in London and is in great demand as a recitalist, soprano and cantorial soloist. She has made her US debut in a solo recital in New York and has sung leading roles in the Merry Wives of Windsor and Dido and Aeneas and has made several recordings with the BBC. She has appeared a number of times at the Spiro Ark.
An interesting contributor to the programme is Camille Maalawy. She is the daughter of an Egyptian father and an English mother and as such is well suited for contributing to this programme of aspiring for world peace as she bridges both musical and cultural divides. Camille is the only Arabic singer to be a strong finalist of the first International Competition of Israeli Music outside Israel organized by Spiro Ark's Tzavta. By reaching this stage she broke new ground and since then has appeared in Rivers of Babylon where she sings in both Hebrew and Arabic. In addition she has appeared in a wide range of opera roles and Oratorio engagements.
Sagi Hartov is a talented Israeli cellist who has lived in the UK since 2000. At the age of fifteen he performed with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and in 1996 was elected to the 'Outstanding Musician' programme as a member of the Israeli Forces String Quartet. He has won many international awards and since joining the Spiro Ark he has created a positive image of Israel, in a department called Spiro Ark's Tzavta which has thrived under his leadership. He was the initiator of the International Israeli Music Competition which has now become a major annual event on the international calendar of young musicians around the world (Incidentally Spiro Ark's Tzavta department will be able to continue and thrive only if people who appreciate its worth will donate sufficient sums to enable it to carry on with the magnificent job it has been doing).
Julian Dawes' career stretches over many years. He is involved in both drama and music and has composed for numerous theatrical productions. For 5 years he was the Musical Director of the Cherub Company in London. His compositions were performed at the Royal Court in the production of Ibsen's A Doll's House and Don Perlimplin by Lorca at the Riverside Studios. There have been many other productions at the Arts Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and the Watermill Theatre in Newbury. Julian has composed sonatas, chamber music, pieces for mandolin and has written for the Jewish world with compositions such as the Song of Ashes for Yom Hashoah, a piece which opened the Holocaust Day music programme on Israeli radio.
Sunday, 9thth May 2010, at 7.30pm
at Lauderdale House
Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, London N6 5HG
Tickets: £12. Book your tickets now by calling 020 7723 9991
or email education@spiroark.org
Become a Broadway and Hollywood star at the Spiro Ark
Jewish involvement in the most beloved musicals sung and favoured all over the world is common knowledge. Virtually every well- known and well-sung musical has involved Jews as composers, lyricists or both.
In the Spiro Ark's attempts to show the Jewish contribution to world civilization through participation and joy it has teamed up with Idit Gold.
Idit is a renowned vocal coach and performer who has established a reputation for bringing together people who enjoy singing and performing and transforming them into confident and fully expressive singers, as if by magic. We have now organized 8 meetings and a performance to celebrate some of the musicals written by Jews. Idit herself is a vocal coach and performer. She will teach you the skills of performing in a way you have never experienced before. After 8 joyous meetings you will be ready to present your effort in public. The workshop is open to all levels of singing, there are no auditions and you do not have to read music. The public performance will create an exciting cultural event.
After her previous coaching of a group to perform a medley of songs from Broadway musicals at the Spiro Ark, Idit has said: "The workshop brought together talented people who enjoy singing and took them through an exciting singing experience ending with a great performance at the Spiro Ark's warm and welcoming venue."
When: May -July 09/05/2010 to 04/07/2010
Where: Spiro Ark Centre
Time: Workshops from 11 am -1 pm. & Final Performance 7.30pm
Price: £99
