About this Event
During the concert, BerKalit will live-record ten songs, all of which will appear on the group's next album, BerKalit A Cappella Vol. II. The album highlights BerKalit's profound experience traveling the country together, where they have been asked to prepare a wide variety of specific pieces - whether for a uniquely themed Seder night, a Shabbat service for preschoolers, or a community concert with audience participation.
These ten songs capture the richness of Jewish tradition and community as seen through the group's eyes, highlighting the many ways they have seen Jewish music connect, inspire, and evoke deep emotion during these travels. Throughout the concert, BerKalit will teach the audience their own parts, inviting them to add their own voices to the record, which will be heard on the final product!
Concert presented with grant support from Combined Jewish Philanthropies and additional support from Congregation Kehillath Israel.
NOTA BENES:
Doors Open at 6:45. Seating begins at 7. Concert begins promptly at 7:30.
Late arrivals may have to wait for a break between songs to be let in.
Tickets are free but advance ticket registration is required.
Audience Expectations
A live-recording is different from a standard concert. BerKalit may repeat certain pieces to get multiple takes, or stop a take in the middle. At times, a videographer may block an audience viewpoint, or lighting and cables may need to be adjusted. BerKalit's production team will be capturing both audio and video of the audience, so that the voices of the crowd will be seen and heard in the final album and accompanying music videos.
For this reason, BerKalit will ask that all phones be shut down, talking during takes be discouraged, and entering/leaving the live-room be reserved for moments in between takes. BerKalit is absolutely thrilled to invite an audience to get a firsthand look behind the scenes of what it takes to live-record an album, and for the energy of the crowd to inspire more meaningful performances.
CONGREGATION KEHILLATH ISRAEL is a traditional inclusive synagogue that actively embraces individuals, its community, and the world. An innovative and prominent voice in North American Jewish life since 1917, it is one of Brookline's oldest synagogues.
BERKALIT is a an award-winning Jewish a cappella group established in 2022 at Berklee College of Music and now based independently in Boston, MA. Mayta Cohen is the founder, director and arranger for the group. Touring nation-wide to share their music, BerKalit has moved countless communities through the power of vocal harmony. Offering captivating concerts, engaging workshops for all ages, & meaningful songleading experiences, BerKalit pushes the boundaries of Jewish music with nothing but their voices.
BerKalit's name cleverly nods to its origins; in Hebrew, 'Kalit' (קליט) means 'catchy,' capturing the spirit of BerKalit's music, while sounding like 'Berklee.' BerKalit are the proud winners of Jewish Star Season 5 and the singers behind ASMAC critically acclaimed arrangement, "Lecha Dodi." Alongside facilitating Shabbat services and vocal harmony workshops nationwide, the group recently released their debut EP, featuring a collection of innovative liturgical arrangements.
Comprising members from diverse religious backgrounds united by their love for Jewish music, BerKalit aims to bridge the gap between Jewish music and contemporary a cappella, foster community through vocal harmony, and use their voices to uplift the Greater Boston Area and beyond.
Mayta Cohen is a national award winning vocal arranger, songleader, composer, and vocalist from Boston, MA with a deep passion for infusing Jewish music with vocal harmony. Breaking new ground for women in Jewish music, Mayta is the first female arranger for both The Maccabeats and Six13. She founded BerKalit while studying at Berklee College of Music. Mayta’s innovative arrangements for the ensemble have garnered accolades from the likes of ASMAC, Varsity Vocals, The American Conference of Cantors, and Jewish Rock Radio. Mayta's achievements have earned her invitations to songlead at BBYO’s International Convention and become the youngest artist-in-residence at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI, the largest Reform synagogue in the country. Mayta serves on staff at A Cappella Academy, renowned for its world-class expertise in a cappella singing, arranging, and performance, and is also on faculty at the premiere conference of Jewish songleading, Hava Nashira. Her mission is to combine her Jewish faith with her passion for music to create holiness in her community and beyond.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, United States
USD 0.00
