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Zamir Choral Foundation

The Zamir Choral Foundation, created by Matthew Lazar, promotes choral music as a vehicle to inspire Jewish life, literacy and community. Its programs include the acclaimed Zamir Chorale; Zamir Noded for young adult singers; the North American Jewish Choral Festival; the Jewish Choral Conducting Institute to train the next generation of Jewish choral conductors; HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir; and the HaZamir Preparatory Program for middle-school singers. Matthew Lazar, founder and director of the Zamir Choral Foundation, is the leading force of the Jewish choral movement in the United States. The Zamir Choral Foundation is guided by an expansive vision of vibrant Jewish identity across the generational, denominational and political continuums through the study and performance of Jewish music at the highest level of excellence.
“The Jewish Choral Conducting Institute provides a pipeline of talent to ensure strong choral leadership for the future,” says Matthew Lazar.
“Being able to connect to this type of music and this type of text is something you can’t get anywhere else,” says Israeli-American composer Dor Kaminka.
“The chance to be part of something bigger than themselves and perform on the world’s greatest stages also instills a sense of confidence and achievement,” says Vivian Lazar.
The program includes traditional and contemporary repertoire by Israeli and American composers that uplifts, consoles and inspires.
The Zamir Choral Foundation offers choral programs for all ages that promote community, health and connection.
HaZamir, the international teen choir, launches its 2025-26 season with local chapter rehearsals ahead of a major spring performance in New York.
“It was a gift to be among so many united in harmony, tradition and hope,” says Matthew Lazar, festival founder and director.
The North American Jewish Choral Festival is for “anyone who wants to celebrate the joy of Jewish music,” says founder Matthew Lazar.
The event fosters the opportunity for teens to share culture, music, values and cultivate international friendships.