The Philipstown Reform Synagogue (PRS), co-hosted by the Episcopal Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands, will bring a special musical event to the Hudson Valley on Sunday, June 8. Natasha Ulyanovsky on electronic keyboard and St. Mary’s church organ, joined by mezzo-soprano Monika Krajewska, will present music from the ancient synagogue, the shtetl, Yiddish theater, opera and Broadway. Together they will perform and discuss, among other things, the influence of ancient Jewish chants on Christian psalmody, the music of Leonard Bernstein and Kurt Weill, and cover the irresistible Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Harold Arlen.
Ulyanovsky is a graduate of the Odessa Conservatory of the former U.S.S.R. She was an orchestra artist and vocal coach at the Odessa Opera House and concert pianist and organist with Moscow Soyuzconcert, the state concert management for professional musicians. She has performed in Hungary, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, throughout New England and at Carnegie Hall. Since 1999 she has held the position of Music Director at Beth Israel Congregation of West Hartford, Connecticut, and was on the faculty of Hartt School of Music and CCSU from 2002-2009.
Krajewska is the winner of numerous vocal competitions and has appeared with opera companies and orchestras in Europe and the United States. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem. In concert she has sung the alto solos in the works of Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Schubert and Verdi. As an exponent of Slavic music, she has performed recitals of the works of Chopin, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, among others.
The two are co-founders of the Alla Breve Opera and Consort, which focuses on popularizing Jewish and classical music.
The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 8, in St. Mary’s sanctuary. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations requested; donations will be collected at the door ($20 suggested). Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s.
PRS was founded in 2002 with the purpose of creating an inclusive venue to investigate the practice of Judaism, both intellectually and spiritually. PRS hosts monthly services led by guest and lay leaders, provides religious education and offers opportunities to participate in social welfare activities. Call 845-265-8011, e-mail [email protected] or visit philipstownreformsynagogue.org.
