Composer in focus
Michael Hunter Ochs in conversation with Lorry Black
In this session, famed composer of both synagogue and popular music, Michael Hunter Ochs will be in conversation with Dr. Lorry Black, to discuss how we write, arrange, and continue to develop new ideas for the Reform, American synagogue while navigating the unique challenges of serving the contemporary congregation. The session will focus on how both Black and Ochs integrate their own unique musical experiences and backgrounds to create works that support meaningful and spiritual experiences.
Michael Hunter Ochs has quietly established himself as one of the most versatile songwriters in America today. His song “In Her Eyes” was recorded by international superstar Josh Groban. The soul-filled “On My Knees” was awarded Song Of The Year honors from both the Gospel Music Association (Dove Award) and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and spent 14 weeks at #1. Michael’s music has been attached to numerous feature films and TV shows including Downsizing (Matt Damon), My Super Ex-Girlfriend (Uma Thurman), The Terminal (Steven Spielberg), and The Simpsons. His songs have appeared on albums with world wide sales in excess of 20 million units. His songs have been recorded by international entertainers including, Helene Fischer (the number-one selling artist in Germany), Cheat Codes, Nico Santos, Natalie Grant, Cece Winans, and more. He is published by Kobalt Music Group.
In addition to his success in the world of pop music, Michael is universally recognized as one of the most respected creators of contemporary Jewish music. He has served as Composer In Residence at Congregation Micah in Nashville, TN since 2000 and East End Temple in New York City since 2017. Many of his compositions have become essential threads in the fabric of the Reform Jewish movement. Every Friday evening congregations around the world rejoice, reflect, and draw closer singing his songs.
In 2016, Michael was commissioned by New York’s 92nd Street Y to compose an original Rosh Hashanah song, “A New Year.” The song was performed by communities around the world and has amassed over 10 million views on Facebook and YouTube — unprecedented in Jewish music.
This composing talent – along with Michael’s commitment to bringing people together in hope and understanding through song – has found him performing for members of the Nobel Committee, The Congressional Prayer Breakfast, the URJ Biennial, and The Jewish Museum of Berlin – to participate at the 70th Commemoration of Kristallnacht.
In 2008 Michael was asked to visit the West Bank and collaborate with award-winning Palestinian peace activist and poet, Alaa Alshaham. In 2014 the two founded The Pursuit Of Harmony and have toured the world together sharing the unlikely story of their inspiring friendship.
michaelhunterochs.com
Lorry Black is the Associate Director of the Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. As a percussionist, pedagogue, and Jewish music specialist, Black is deeply rooted in the Los Angeles performance scene. Lorry has performed with various ensembles and has had the privilege to perform under the baton of many great conductors including John Williams, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, and James Conlon, as well as recording for various artists. Active in the Jewish music community, lorry is a sought after percussionist, conductor, and arranger, and is music director for the High Holidays at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Lorry is a graduate of the DMA program in Sacred Music from the USC Thornton School of Music where he specialized in Jewish music and music of the Holocaust. Previous degrees include a bachelor of arts degree from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and a masters of music in concert percussion from the USC Thornton School.