Women Cantors Network is an international outreach support group for female cantors, which works for the nationwide recognition and employment of qualified female cantors.[1] It was founded in 1982 by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Zimmerman, who was the granddaughter of a prominent cantor (Adolph Katchko), and who was trained privately by her father, also a cantor.[1][2][3] At the first meeting of what became the Women Cantors Network, only twelve women attended.[4] In 1983 the Women Cantors Network began regularly publishing a newspaper, in 1993 its constitution and bylaws were written, in 1997 it began to commission new Jewish music, and in 1998 it created an online list-serve network.[3]
| Founded | 1982 |
|---|---|
| 223575617 | |
| Focus | Community Improvement, Capacity Building, Promotion of Business |
| Location | |
Area served | U.S., Canada, Israel, United Kingdom, France, Germany |
Members | 300+ |
Key people | President Geri Zeller Executive Vice President Jacqueline Breines Communications Vice President Debby Lewis Special Events Vice President Robbi Sherwin Corresponding Secretary Sherry Barnes Recording Secretary Barbara Stambler Treasurer Robin Sparr |
| Website | www |
In 2011 the Women Cantors' Network had a piece commissioned for them honoring the Liberty Bell, which they performed at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[5] It was composed by cantor Lori Sumberg of Tucson, Arizona, and was called “Song of the Bell.”[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Heskes, Irene (1 March 2009). "Cantors: American Jewish Women". Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ Schackman, Maxine (31 May 2011). "Carrying on a family tradition". Judaica Sound Archives at FAU Libraries. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ a b "The Women Cantors' Network". Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ Grossman, Ron (18 June 2010). "Concert spotlights Judaism's diversity". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ a b Tawa, Steve (15 June 2011). "Cantor Composes Piece Honoring Liberty Bell, Performed At Jewish Museum". CBS Philly. CBS Local Media. Retrieved 7 April 2013.