The Jericho Jewish Center presents its seventh annual Musical Arts Gala, Sunday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m., featuring Israeli superstar Rita and Cantor Barry Black.
Rita is by far the most celebrated and successful singer in Israel. In 2008 she was voted the no. 1 female singer in a special countdown for Israel’s 60th anniversary. The following year, Rita’s song “Love Has Begun” topped the American adult contemporary and indie charts in the U.S. and took a respectful place in the top 40. Subsequently, Rita was nominated for the New Music Weekly Awards as “Top 40 Breakthrough Artist for 2009.” In 2011 Rita released her Persian album, “My Joy,” in which she returned to the music she grew up on, and performed the songs in her native language, Persian. Most recently, Rita performed at the United Nations in New York. In addition to being a successful singer, Rita, a graduate of one of the most respected acting schools in Israel, has performed in dozens of plays and movies winning “Actress of the Year” in 1989 in the Israeli cinema awards.
Throughout her career Rita has sold over a million copies of her albums, has won dozens of awards acknowledging her contribution and talent and was named the Best Female Performer and Singer of Israel. Twenty five years after her career began, Rita continues to prove that she is by far the biggest female vocalist Israel has to offer.
Cantor Barry Black, the cantor of the Jericho Jewish Center for the past eight years, will be entertaining attendees with a special performance of Israeli songs. Black’s musical endeavors extended from the synagogue to opera, oratorio, musical theater and concerts throughout the U.S. and abroad. From 1989 to 1996 he studied voice privately with the legendary Metropolitan Opera tenor Franco Corelli. He has also performed in Yiddish Theatre and in 1999 was featured in the role of a cantor in “Liberty Heights,” a Barry Levinson film.
Admission for the event is $60. Admission is free for youths 12 years of age and under. Students with ID receive discounted admission at $18.
For reservations, contact Jericho Jewish Center, 430 North Broadway, at 516-938-2540.
