Broadway concert marks start of Palm Beach temple's diamond jubilee

Staff report
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Temple Emanu-El's Cantor Meir Finkelstein, left, and Musical Director Claudio Waisgluss will perform in the "Broadway on the Bimah" event on Thursday.
Temple Emanu-El's Cantor Meir Finkelstein, left, and Musical Director Claudio Waisgluss will perform in the "Broadway on the Bimah" event on Thursday.

As the official launch to a year of celebration marking its diamond jubilee, Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach will present a concert titled "Broadway on the Bimah" at 7 p.m. Thursday.

"Broadway on the Bimah" is a celebration through music of the temple’s first 60 years. It will be performed by the temple's Cantor Meir Finkelstein and Musical Director Claudio Waisgluss, and soprano Alicia Gianni and bass-baritone Aidan Smerud, both of the Houston Grand Opera.

Houston Grand Opera soloist Alicia Gianni will perform Thursday at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach.
Houston Grand Opera soloist Alicia Gianni will perform Thursday at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach.

Selections will include songs from the golden age of Broadway such as "Annie Get Your Gun," "Fiddler on the Roof," "My Fair Lady," "The Sound of Music," and "West Side Story," as well as those from modern hits such as "Hamilton," "Les Miserables," and "Phantom of the Opera."

Houston Grand Opera soloist Aidan Smerud will perform Thursday at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach.
Houston Grand Opera soloist Aidan Smerud will perform Thursday at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach.

Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach was incorporated as the town's first synagogue on Jan. 24, 1963. Led by the late Benjamin Lehr, and supported by several Christian clergy in town, it began with 45 member families; today there are more than 400 families.

The temple is at 190 N. County Road. Admission to the event is $36, and reservations are required. Call 561-832-to register.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach temple kicks off anniversary with 'Broadway on the Bimah'