Prayer meets pop and Broadway

St Kilda Shule and the Joint Australia are presenting a one night only musical event on August 7 featuring internationally acclaimed Israeli American cantor and vocal sensation Azi Schwartz (pictured) performing in Australia for the first time.

Schwartz, 43, is one of the most prominent voices in Jewish music today. With over 18 albums to his name, he is renowned not only for his uplifting voice and entertaining stage presence, but also for reimagining traditional prayers through the lens of broadway and pop, transforming classics into emotionally charged performances influenced by artists such as Coldplay, Harry Styles and Lady Gaga, and musicals like Hamilton and Wicked.

A video of Schwartz singing a version of Adon Olam entitled “A Wicked Adon Olam” went viral on social media with over 100,000 views, while his adaption of Adon Olam to the tune of Hamilton’s You’ll Be Back has had over a million views.

“You’ve got to meet people where they are,” Schwartz said of his adaptions. In relation to rising antisemitism he commented, “People need to know that it’s OK to be Jewish.”

Schwartz has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and the Israeli Knesset. He also featured in the Richard Gere film Norman, playing the role of the cantor.