The Canadian Jewish News: Azrieli Prize Winners Explore Diversity of Jewish Music

The Canadian Jewish News
Janice Arnold

The distinct musical tradition of the Jews of Rome, who trace their lineage back to their dispersal after the Second Temple’s destruction, will be revived in a new composition that’s being written by the latest winner of a $50,000 commission from the Azrieli Foundation.

Yotam Haber, a Dutch-born composer who’s based in New Orleans, is the recipient of the 2020 Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music, the organization announced on Nov. 7.

His work-in-progress will receive its premiere at the Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) concert on Oct. 22, 2020, at Salle Pierre Mercure in Montreal, performed by the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, a chamber orchestra in residence at the Université de Montréal (UdeM).

The winner of the 2020 AMP for the best new major work of Jewish music is Yitzhak Yedid, an Israeli-born Australian. The Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music also carries a $50,000 cash award.

His “Kiddushim Ve’ Killulim” (“Blessings and Curses”) for voice and ensemble had its debut in 2017. The AMP jury hailed the piece for its unconventional synthesis of ancient religious musical sources with contemporary Western music.

For the first time, a third AMP winner was selected this year for the new Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music (not with a Jewish theme). It goes to Keiko Devaux, a composer of music for ensembles, dance and film, who’s currently completing a doctorate in composition at UdeM.

To read more about the 2020 winners and their works, click here.