World-renowned cantor and Teaneck resident Netanel Hershtik has just released his third CD—his first in over 10 years. “The Art of Cantor Netanel Hershtik” in English and “Omanut Hatefilah” in Hebrew, the CD features a 45-piece symphonic orchestra with an astonishing 60 musicians taking part in the album’s creation. Hershtik is also joined by the Tziporei Shir Children’s Choir, Hershtik’s cousin Srulik Hershtik and the Maccabeats in guest performances.
The CD features 13 tracks and are a mix of old and new, Israeli music, cantorial music, liturgical music, Yiddish music, old-time chazzanut and a reinterpretation of Yossi Green’s famous “Tanya” made famous by Avraham Fried.
Hershtik followed the words of Rav Kook who spoke about rejuvenating the old while sanctifying the new in his production of “Omanut Hatefila.”
“We want to keep the authenticity of the older music, but to give it new colors and new arrangements while at the same time, taking what is new and putting it into a context of kedusha,” explained Hershtik.
The recording was done at the famed Avatar Studios in New York. Compositions by cantorial greats Moshe Oysher, Yossele Rosenblatt, Moshe Koussevitzky, David Roitman, Joseph Rumshinsky, Naftali Hershtik, Moshe Stern, Mordechai Gebirtig and Meir Finkelstein are featured, as well as songs by Yossi Green, Yehuda Sharet, Modzitz, Debbie Friedman and original music by Hershtik.
“Omanut Hatefila” is being distributed by Nigun Music and is available online for download on iTunes, Amazon and other distribution and media-streaming services online as well as at Judaica stores everywhere.
Hershtik’s family is known for their cantors and, in fact, he is a 14th-generation cantor. His father, Naftali Hershtik, is the former cantor of the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, where Netanel’s musical talent quickly became apparent through his regular appearances as a child soloist in the Great Synagogue. In addition to his family education, his musical training includes graduation from the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute, as well as training under Cantor Chayim Feifel, Raymond Goldstein and other renowned cantors and musicians.
Hershtik has given concerts across the world, including performances with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed in concert halls such as Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House and Casino de Paris. He is the first cantor to be invited to perform a cantorial concert at the Kennedy Center. He also holds the distinction of being the first cantor to be invited to perform at the United Nations at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony in 2006.
When not performing, Hershtik and his family daven at the Young Israel of Teaneck.
By Sara Kosowsky Gross
