UCLA Choir Unveils Fresh Holiday Tune for the Season
The UCLA Chamber Singers have released a new composition titled "The Everlasting Flame," a thoughtfully crafted tribute to Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. This piece, composed by undergraduate student Yoni Fogelman, embodies the sublime while remaining grounded in tradition.
As a student at UCLA, Fogelman was drawn to the university's opportunities that encourage student creativity. It was here that he chose to score "The Everlasting Flame" for choir, believing that the human voice shares the same characteristics of the sacred flames. The composition was conducted by Troy Robertson during his doctoral studies at UCLA.
The work features the ethereal sound of the harp, played by Alaina Stark, adding a luminous, shimmering quality that evokes the flickering lights of the menorah. The piece balances solemn reverence with moments of uplifting joy, mirroring the holiday’s themes of resilience and hope.
"The Everlasting Flame" celebrates Chanukah’s legacy, commemorating the miracle of the oil and the perseverance of the Jewish people. It offers a meaningful artistic vehicle for collegiate and community ensembles to engage with Jewish cultural traditions in a modern context.
The piece’s collaboration with the UCLA Chamber Singers and harpist Alaina Stark illustrates the dynamic interplay between vocal and instrumental music, enriching the performance experience for both artists and audiences. The performance strengthens communal bonds by bringing people together in celebration of Chanukah through shared artistic experience.
"The Everlasting Flame" is available for streaming on various platforms, with an official video for the piece available on YouTube. If you're interested in exploring this captivating composition further, I can help you find recordings or sheet music related to this piece.
Fogelman's music sets soaring vocals against an ethereal harp line, creating a piece that bridges tradition and innovation while highlighting the talents of young composers within the vibrant UCLA music community. By setting Chanukah's themes to music, Fogelman contributes to contemporary expressions of Jewish identity and heritage.
After immersing himself in UCLA's environment that champions student creativity, Fogelman, the composer, decided to blend education-and-self-development with entertainment by composing "The Everlasting Flame." This musical piece, inspired by Chanukah, not only showcases the sublime characteristics of music but also maintains a connection with tradition.
