European Cantors Association
Promoting the love of synagogue music
Bringing Together Cantors, Choirs, Composers, and Lovers of Jewish Music from across the World
Promoting the Love of Jewish Music. Supporting the Next Generation of Cantors
Registration for our 17th Cantors Convention in Berlin from Weds 5th November
to Sunday 9th has now closed
Our convention is this week!
For those registered, more details have been sent to
you individually and final joining instructions will be sent on Monday 3rd November.
More about this
Convention
is here
The Convention
programme is here
ECA has published a major new book on Nusah
About the book
The Death and Life of Nusah explores the history, significance and challenges facing nusah (aka 'nusach') – the traditional synagogue chant of Jewish liturgy, examining the balance between conservation and innovation.
Charles Heller emphasises that nusah is more than music; it is a living tradition that embodies the history, spirituality, and identity of Jewish communities.
He argues that its preservation requires a balance between honouring the past and adapting to the present, ensuring that this unique heritage continues to inspire future generations.
You can download a pdf copy of the book of 78 pages with 90 music examples now at the introductory pre-launch price of £10. Email Charles at nusah.book@cantors.eu. (The download will be £15 after the launch.)
There will be printed copies of the book on the night for £15. (£20 by mail thereafter – contact Geraldine@cantors.eu)
The book is relevant for a wide readership including practitioners of synagogue music, synagogue managements, and students of Jewish religion, as well as the musicologist or the general reader who is interested in the processes by which traditional music is transmitted.
About the author
Charles Heller was born in the UK and graduated from Cambridge University. He is the author of several published books on synagogue music and has been involved in synagogue music as choir director and music arranger for over 50 years both in the UK and where he now lives in Toronto.
He has worked on synagogue services, concerts and recordings with leading cantors including the late Naftali Herstik and Louis Danto and Aaron Bensoussan, as well as working in concerts with the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, David Kusevitsky and Marvin Hamlisch.
Audio Recordings from this year's 1st Night Selichot at Edgware are here
Review Our 16th Cantors Convention: Budapest 2024
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The Convention review page is here
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The Programme 'as delivered' is here
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The Photo Gallery is both at the bottom of this page and here
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Our YouTube Channel (we are uploading new material weekly from the Convention) is here
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Our Instagram page (we are uploading new material weekly from the Convention) is here
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Our Facebook page, where community material from the Convention also appears, is here
From Our Lips
Between the middle of January and the middle of April 2024, fifteen synagogue services and five concerts presented a feast of the very best and most interesting liturgical music to London congregations, audiences and guests.
There were no special requirements other than participants in this festival should reflect the music that their community most loves and responds to best. Some synagogues invited a guest chazan if they did not have a regular one. Many made sure their choirs were in attendance. Other services were led as usual by the rabbi and lay leaders.
The European Cantors Association was keen to see and celebrate whatever works in each situation. Though it was a national festival, this time only synagogues in and around London participated. All the synagogues made sure their community was well informed and encouraged to attend.
Read more about the success of this project here. The project will next run in 2026 Contact geraldine@cantors.eu if you're interested to join in.
Voice of the Cantor - Relive Our Zoom Series from 2021 and 2022 (Links under development)
About Us
Our Mission and Vision
The European Cantors Association (ECA) is a prominent platform for cantors, prayer leaders, and Synagogue music enthusiasts.
Our mission is to enrich synagogue services through meaningful dialogue, professional training, and the celebration of Jewish prayer music.
With a commitment to excellence, we offer a range of programmes, events, and services, such as Zoom series, conferences, conventions, and concerts and new for 2024, our 'From Our Lips' series.
At ECA, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Jewish worship while embracing modern approaches to enhance the spiritual experience for our community members.
We are an independent organisation, unaffiliated to any branch of Judaism but respectful of all, whether Orthodox or Progressive.
Join us in our journey to create engaging synagogue environments that resonate with the soul and allow people in Synagogue to fully connect with our Maker.
