The Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 by conductor and composer, Dr. Joel Hoffman. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance and promotion of Jewish classical music, and has become a leading force in the Jewish music scene in Pittsburgh and beyond. Dr. Joel Hoffman, who serves as the artistic director and conductor of the ensemble, is a renowned composer and professor of music at the University of Cincinnati. He has written numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, and has received numerous awards and commissions for his compositions. The Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival is made up of a core group of musicians, including violinists Laura Motchalov and Jennifer Orchard, violist Marylene Gingras-Roy, cellist Bronwyn Banerdt, clarinetist Thomas Thompson, and pianist Rodrigo Ojeda. The ensemble also collaborates with guest artists and conductors, including renowned cellist Amit Peled and conductor Andres Cladera. Since its founding, the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival has presented numerous concerts and performances, both in Pittsburgh and around the world. The ensemble has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Jerusalem Theater, and has been featured on national and international radio broadcasts. One of the highlights of the ensemble's performances was its 2014 concert at Carnegie Hall, which featured the world premiere of Dr. Hoffman's composition, "From the Depths," a work inspired by the poetry of Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, Nelly Sachs. The concert also included works by other Jewish composers, including Ernest Bloch and Leonard Bernstein. In addition to its performances, the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly presents workshops and masterclasses for students and young musicians, and has collaborated with local schools and community organizations to promote Jewish music and culture. The Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and contributions to the Jewish music scene. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Richard Tucker Foundation Grant, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts and culture of the Jewish community. Overall, the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival has become a leading force in the promotion and performance of Jewish classical music, and has established itself as a vital part of the cultural landscape in Pittsburgh and beyond. With its commitment to excellence in performance and education, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

More....