Eyal Bitton, composer, lyricist and musical director, has recently released a new album entitled, High Holidays Memories: Timeless Moroccan & Sephardi classics.
Currently the Musical Director of Toronto’s Beth Tikvah Synagogue Choir, Bitton has numerous musical and theater credits as well: he wrote the book, music and lyrics for numerous well-received musicals, including King David, Moses: The Musical Saga and Miss Persia, and provided musical direction and vocal arrangements for theatrical plays as well.
After receiving much praise for his 2007 YouTube video, a hauntingly beautiful version of the Moroccan “Kal Nidrei,” Bitton was inspired to work on, and release, a full-length album. Blending the East and the West, ancient and modern, Bitton put his rich, yet soft touch on a collection of popular Sephardi songs.
His voice, striking and lovely, is featured in harmonies not typically found in Moroccan and Sephardic liturgical music, giving the album a truly authentic sound.
Community response has been overwhelming. The American Sephardi Federation used the video for its online greeting card, and cantor Mark Saltzman sang his songs in services at his synagogue, West Hollywood’s Congregation Kol Ami. And a rush of emails and online comments are filled with the kindest of praise: “Words cannot describe the beauty of this singer. I was moved to tears. Your voice and talent is a gift from Hashem.”
For more information on the CD, and to find out how to purchase it, please visit www.eyalbitton.com.
