Young Musicians to Celebrate the ‘Joy of Freedom’

A group of young musicians will take to the stage of Carnegie Hall on June 11th in honor of Israeli independence. “The Joy of Freedom” is presented by the Russian American Foundation in cooperation with COJECO, and will feature aspiring young musicians from Russia, the United States, and Israel. To celebrate the country’s 70th year of statehood, classical pieces from Mozart, Chopin, and more will be brought to stage, as well as arrangements of Jewish songs by admired ensemble choirs. In preparation for their Carnegie Hall debut, performers turned to coaches such as the renowned Genya Paley for guidance. As an internationally respected concert pianist and music educator, Paley has been instrumental in bringing classical works to diverse audiences. She expects “The Joy of Freedom” to bring a positive sentiment to the public.

“Concerts such as this one bring together people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in their shared love of classical music,” Paley said. “Some of the performers have parents who are Israeli, some have Russian Jewish backgrounds, and some are American. Children across the ocean are very proud to come out and perform to support Israel and to demonstrate their skill and their joy for Israeli freedom.”

The celebration of Israel is personally significant for many of the young performers. With family ties to Israeli and Jewish communities, the performance is both a presentation of artistry, and an homage to their culture.

In acknowledgment of Jewish musical institutions, the concert will include performances by ensembles well-trained in the oral tradition. Ezro Malakov, People’s Artist of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has spent the recent years of his career imparting his musical accomplishments to new generations of performers. His Academy of Bukharian Shashmaqam will continue their string of impressive recitals here at Carnegie Hall, in celebration of “The Joy of Freedom.” Close to 100 children participate in the ensemble, singing in Hebrew, Tajik, Uzbek, Bukharian Jewish, and other traditional languages.

The Bukharian Jewish community has found strong roots in New York, and the ATID Bukharian Jewish boys choir will be closing out the program with an arrangement directed by Izchak Haimov. Maestro Haimov, Music Director and conductor of The Hampton Synagogue, established the choir in 2015, which has gone on to acclaimed performanc- es in the New York region as well as Israel.

The concert’s significance is not lost on its performers. One such musician is Alexander Khankin, 10, who will be performing Carl Maria Weber’s Sonatensatz in E-major and Chopin’s Waltz in A-minor.

“I get to be a part of something big,” Khankin remarked. “I am also happy to be performing with my brother and the other children because we all support each other. As long as there are people to support each other, we never feel alone, and it will all be fine.”

Khankin’s comments touch on the enthusiasm and support present among the performers, despite their various backgrounds.

This performance won’t be possible without an enthusiastic support of certain individuals and organizations, who remain deeply connected to their Israeli heritage and passionate about their children’s future. Among those who have been key in the concert coming to fruition are Rose and Phil Friedman, Anna and Eugene Schneur, Marlen Kruzhkov, as well as musicologist Rafael Nektalov, coordinator of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada. Nektalov has helped established multiple publications in support of transplanted Jewish communities, including the Zamon Times, which catered to Muslim and Jewish immigrants from Central Asia, and The Bukharian Times, the first weekly newspaper of the Bukharian Jewish community of America.

“Israel’s 70th anniversary has been celebrated across New York; from Albany to Times Square, and now at Carnegie Hall. With the rebirth of the State of Israel, the Jewish symphony transitioned from a soliloquy played in a minor key, to a piece alive with rhythm and joy. Our bright and rising stars on stage exemplify the Jewish contribution to culture, and our hope for even greater times to come.” - Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York.