ABOUT THE COMPOSER

Born in Israel, Meir Finkelstein spent his early years in the UK. As a child, he demonstrated extraordinary musical abilities both vocally and on the piano. This natural talent, together with his exposure to synagogue music and the tutelage of his father, the late Cantor Zvi Finkelstein, led to his becoming a cantor in Glasgow, Scotland, at the age of 14.

By the age of 18, he was the Cantor at Golders Green Synagogue, in London, UK. During this time, he attended the Royal College of Music on a scholarship, graduating with top honors in singing, piano and composition. In 1974, Meir moved to the United States to become the cantor at Beth Hillel Congregation in Wilmette, Illinois.
His move to Los Angeles in 1982, to become the cantor at Sinai Temple, was a pivotal moment in Meir's career. His exposure to new repertoire and the opportunity to work with a professional mixed-voice choir and accompaniment, unleashed an extraordinary period of musical creativity. He also had the opportunity to write for television and film, including Steven Spielberg's award-winning documentary, "Survivors of the Holocaust”.

Career/composing highlights include: "Nishmat Tzedek", his Jewish Requiem (1987); "Liberation", a cantata commemorating the 50th anniverasry of the liberation of Auschwitz, which had its world premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus (1990); the Detroit Symphony performance of "Liberation" (2006); the premier of the Passover Seder rock musical, "Matzah Do About Nothing" (2007);  "I Won’t Forget You O Jerusalem." , a cantata for Jewish and gospel choirs (2008); his music being performed at the Vatican in front of Pope Benedict XVI (2010).

Meir Finkelstein's music plays an important role in synagogues around the world. He has composed more than 100 pieces, all of which demonstrate his extraordinary flair for melody and vast harmonic palette. While most famous for his choral output, he has also written oratorios, instrumental music, songs both "classical" and "popular" and pieces that are perfect for children. What distinguishes his output more than anything, is its broad appeal, the way it illuminates the text and its embrace of so many musical styles.