[HANASHIR:12185] No Subject

[FAVNI <FAVNI...>]

Dear friends and colleagues - I wanted to wish everyone a sweet and peaceful 
year and share some exciting news. Last week, I had a live interview on Kol 
Yisrael along with my old singing partner Susan Cogan, Hed Arzi just released 
the 2 Cd-package of EMESH - SUSAN & FRAN and  KESHET B'ANAN - we recorded 
with the Dudaim, as part of their new Genesis series and they are beginning 
to do major promotion.

It was an amazingly moving interview- Susan in Toronto and I in Montreal 
somehow were able to recreate the connection we shared so many years ago that 
made the israelis adopt us and claim us as 'their female version of Simon & 
Garfunkle".
We were also part of the Canadian Cabaret at Toronto's fabulous Ashkenaz 
Festival last week and once again performed at the Free times Cafe. The 
feedback has been delightful and we are getting calls from israel to perform 
for various organizations there and in the US and Canada. Jewish communities 
are eager for a peaceful, poetic and loving presentation.

We re-launched a new version of SHOSHANIM which you can find at Soundswrite 
and Tara . One of the songs (Kol Dodi) is on Craig Taubman's lovely new 
compilation of Jewish Love Songs and the repertoire we do is a combination of 
old and new. Our songs have certainly stood the test of time.

Please let me know if anyone is interested in booking the duo.

I am currently planning my touring schedule and will be on the east coast 
through December before I return to California. I will be in the New York 
area from November 16 - at the NAEYC conference from the 17 - and will be 
available for solo or duo performances as well as workshops for educators and 
musicmakers of all ages.

Back in Montreal, at my spiritual home - Dorshei Emet, the Reconstructionist 
synagogue, I am directing the choir for Kol Nidre. While the soloist is not 
professional and the choir members less than perfect, the searching for a 
connection of heart soul and spirit is vital. We come together as a 
community, and the age old melodies and sacred texts resonate in all of us.

It is such an incredible blessing and privilege to be able to participate in 
high holyday services as non-clergy. Music truly lifts us higher and 
higher.....and while I love listening to incredible choral pieces as an 
'audience', the simpler melodies which invite the listener to join in are 
important in maintaining community.
There is room for all - from the niggun to the chorale, when it is presented 
or shared with integrity.

G'Mar Chatima tova - and hopes for new beginnings,
B'shalom,
Fran Avni





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