CARDIFF SYNAGOGUE CHOIR

Listen to some of the choir's music  by clicking on the song
Ein Kelokeinu   Kvodo.mp3   Mechalkel  Shir Hamaalos  V'alKulam  Yechadshehu

CUS Choir

Any gentlemen interested in joining please contact our choirmaster Tony Blasebalk via Shul office

The Cardiff United Synagogue has a tradition of amateur choirs going back many years. In 1998 Ivan Margolis came to Cardiff from South Africa and brought with him a wealth of experience of Choral singing, from his time with the World famous Johannesburg Jewish Male Choir.

This inspirational and charismatic man transformed the dozen or so amateur singers into a Choir with a unique singing style. He managed to combine several musical influences; traditional Jewish Choral singing, African rhythms and a clear Welsh influence in the style of the Male Voice Choirs.

A few years ago the idea of capturing the Choir’s music onto a CD was proposed. The Choir was fortunate in discovering a small recording studio in Caerphilly where 2 non-Jewish musicians, Al Steele & Nigel Hart were based. They listened to a cassette recording of one of the Choir’s rehearsals and were very excited to get involved in the project. Professional musicians were brought in and Al, Nigel and Ivan arranged a stunning musical accompaniment. The CD, “Dream of Nations” was created.

This is no ordinary Jewish Choir CD. The singing is lively, original and uplifting with an extraordinary musical backing track. The result is a breath of fresh air and well worth a listen. The CD opens with “Don’t walk in front me”, a poignant message of peace sung by a boy soloist with stunning effect.

Visitors to the New Cyncoed Gardens Shul frequently comment on the up-lifting impact that the Choir has on the Shabbat Service and Simchas. The Choir is clearly and enormous asset to the Cardiff Jewish Community.

With Ivan's departure to Australia the choir has undergone a number of changes. It now being led by Tony Blasebalk, and is once again rehearsing to enhance the Shabbat services, and would be delighted to be involved in any Simchas.