Ernest Bloch’s Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service), a choral-orchestral masterwork for cantor, chorus, and full orchestra “remains the watershed (by many assessments peerless) artistic engagement with the Hebrew liturgy… It was conceived as a transcendent, even inclusive humanistic work of universal spiritual experience” (Neil Levin, Milken Archive). A pinnacle of drama in the Jewish musical canon, this work speaks to Jews and to the masses, much like the great masterworks of other traditions. Grounded in tradition, but revolutionary in its scope, Bloch’s Avodath Hakodesh is a can’t-miss sacred work. For the grand conclusion of its 275th Anniversary celebration, KKBE is partnering with the Charleston Symphony and Taylor Festival Choir with KKBE’s Music & Artistic Director, Bates O’Neal, and choir, Koleinu, to bring an unforgettable performance of this work, along with other works by Mahler, Korngold, and Bernstein!

Koleinu choir

Apr 24, 2025

Ernest Bloch Sacred Service

Koleinu choir