A Patchwork of Cultures 2024:

Education Concert

Monday, December 9, 2024

Adat Ari El Synagogue

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS) proudly presented its unique and innovative education program, “A Patchwork of Cultures: The Sephardic-Latino Connection,” at Adat Ari El Synagogue on December 9, 2024.

The LAJS has conducted music education programs for eighteen years, reaching more than 13,000 students. This program explores and celebrates the deep cultural ties that Sephardic Jews share with the people of Latin America and promotes respect for diversity through recognition of these similarities. For example, the language of Sephardic Jews, called Ladino, is very close to Spanish.

Students from Los Angeles public schools and Jewish day schools came together at this concert after a series of classroom workshops led by LAJS teaching artists in each of the participating schools. A yearly tradition for the LAJS, the concert and workshops are free-of-cost to students and schools and are completely underwritten by grant funding.

Featured Guests: Kol Echad Ensemble

Kol Echad is Milken’s premier vocal ensemble, specializing in a cappella performances. This talented group of students is dedicated to celebrating a diverse repertoire that encompasses contemporary, classical, and Jewish vocal music, delivering high-quality and meaningful performances that resonate with audiences. The mission of Kol Echad is to provide students and audiences with an enriching musical experience while fostering a deep connection to Jewish history, culture, and values. As leaders and ambassadors within Milken’s communities, Kol Echad members take pride in representing the choir at various events. They actively connect selected pieces to the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and history, ensuring that each performance is not only musically impressive but also culturally significant. Through their dedication and passion, the choir continues to uplift and inspire, making a profound impact within and beyond the Milken community.

Sarah Shapiro is a Los Angeles native and an alumna of Milken.  With a passion for music that began as a child, she has experience in piano, voice, and theater. She has extensive experience singing acapella music, ranging from classical chamber choir to barbershop to modern pop acapella, including vocal percussion. Mrs. Shapiro holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis on voice, both from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has been teaching vocal and instrumental music for over 10 years in both Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. She is currently the director of multiple choral groups at Milken, namely Koleinu, Kol Echad, Milken Honeys, and the Mensches.