Hallel: Psalms of Praise – a musical journey

Psalms 114-118 are psalms of thanksgiving. They are recited on the three festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, and on Rosh Chodesh and Hanukkah. This presentation explores the wide horizons and endless musical possibilities for each Psalm, in a variety of musical expressions including folk, classical choral, and the high art of Cantorial interpretations.

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner is Cantor Emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple; Conductor and Music Director of Lachan Jewish Chamber Choir; and part-time faculty member at Abraham Geiger College.

A versatile Shliach Tzibbur and performer, Cantor Maissner has mastered a variety of musical styles, from Jewish Renaissance and early Hebrew Art Music to contemporary Canadian, American and Israeli compositions. He has performed around the world and been featured with several symphony orchestras. In June of 2020 Cantor Maissner retired after 41 years as Senior Cantor and Music Director of Holy Blossom Temple, in Toronto.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Cantorial Music, from Hebrew Union College, a Master’s degree in Music History, Voice and Performance, from Temple University, and honorary Doctorates from Hebrew Union College and Jewish Theological Seminary, the Cantor is a highly sought-after lecturer, teacher, coach, and mentor, with an encyclopedic knowledge of Jewish secular and liturgical music. He was the National Chair of the Certification Program of the American Conference of Cantors; Cantor-in-Residence at Hebrew Union College in New York, Cincinnati and Jerusalem; and is a part-time lecturer and coach at Abraham Geiger College, in Germany.