On September 20th, at 5 PM in the auditorium, the Sanders Music Symposium series, “From Synagogue to Concert Hall,” was open for the Ramaz Upper School community to experience. The Sanders Music Symposium is a music based lecture and concert series that creatively explores music and the history of it as well. This event’s symposium discussed the connection between a traditional concert hall and a traditional synagogue. Oded Lev-Ari and featured pianist Philip Fisher talked about this connection throughout the symposium. The symposium consisted of live performances by featured musicians, as well as a talk about the pieces played. It was an educational event that all ages were able to enjoy.

The event began with some refreshments for the parents and students who attended. Once everyone got settled, musical pieces like Hatikvah and Kol Nidrei were performed and explored. The theme of the “Return to Zion” was analyzed as well. Featured performers included soprano Meghan Kasanders, cellist Adrian Daurov, and pianist Philip Fisher. Before and after performing these pieces, Lev-Ari and Fisher talked about the inspiration behind them.

Sponsoring the program was the Martin and Susan Sanders Family Foundation for Classical Music Enrichment at Ramaz. The foundation’s purpose is to give access to the arts, specifically classical music, and to improve artistic education. It supports youth programs, usually administered in Jewish schools or museums, that offer music education and showcases to prospective musicians from the Jewish community. The foundation supports this end by funding the expenses of instruments, teachers, and any equipment needed. The foundation also organizes and funds musical showcases and performances by artists, musicians, and art educators. Giving Jewish youth access to classical music performances to grow respect and admiration for the oft-neglected arts is something for which the foundation strives.

The Sanders Music Symposium series, “From Synagogue to Concert Hall,” was a very educational experience. The connection between the audience and the performers were very intimate. Each featured performer brought his or her respective piece to life in a unique and significant way. The symposium was certainly an interesting examination of the beauty music can bring to religion, as well as the beauty religion can bring to music.