Matthew Lazar

Matthew Lazar is a prominent figure in the Jewish choral music scene. He is the Founding Director of the Zamir Choral Foundation, which he established to promote Jewish commitment through choral singing. Lazar has also founded several ensembles, including the Zamir Chorale, the Mantua Singers, and Shirah: The Community Chorus of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. He has been instrumental in elevating the standards of Jewish musical performance and has inspired the creation of adult choral ensembles across the U.S. Lazar has served as a guest conductor for multiple symphony orchestras and festivals, regularly performing at major concert halls like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Lazar's musical journey began early, with piano lessons at the age of four. He was deeply influenced by Salamone Rossi, a Jewish-Italian Renaissance composer known for integrating Western harmonies into Jewish liturgical music. Lazar has organized significant events, such as the world's first Salamone Rossi conference, and continues to contribute to the Jewish choral movement through commissions of new music and educational initiatives. His work spans both performance and education, with roles on the faculties of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

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