A Patchwork of Cultures: Pico Union Project

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Co-presented by the Pico Union Project

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS), in collaboration with the Pico Union Project, presented one chamber concert at Pico Union Project as part of the Symphony’s acclaimed education program, A Patchwork of Cultures: Exploring the Sephardic-Latino Connection.

A Patchwork of Cultures explores the deep ties between Sephardic Jews and the people of Latin America, using music to educate young learners about the shared cultural history between the two communities. The concert featured the LAJS chamber players performing a Sephardic and Latino repertoire and a lecture presentation.

This concert brought A Patchwork of Cultures to the Pico Union Project. Built in 1909 as the original location of Sinai Temple, the Pico Union Project is the oldest synagogue building in Los Angeles. When the Sinai community moved to Beverly Hills, the building became home to a Welsh Presbyterian congregation. By 2012, after lovingly maintaining the building for 88 years, the shrinking congregation approached the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California to return the building to the Jewish community. The Jewish Historical Society turned to Craig ‘N Co., a production company owned by prominent Jewish musician Craig Taubman, who purchased the building as a home for the Pico Union Project.