Genesis in Rishon LeZion
Inna Sheikhatovich
On September 24, at the close of the Jewish year 5784, we will have the chance to enjoy the epic poem “Genesis”—a symphony telling of humanity and the cosmos—at the Heichal HaTarbut hall in Rishon LeZion. This piece by Israeli composer and philosopher Baruch Berliner is a grand work that synthesizes music with the word. It is unique in both the artistic form and creative spirit. Its expansive musical canvas incorporates the texts of the Torah as its core message and harmonic touchstone. The texts are spoken, declared, and voiced by the narrator, the Storyteller, acting in accord with the musicians. In Greek tragedy, this role was played by the coryphaeus of the chorus.
Genesis has been performed hundreds of times worldwide, with modern coryphaei narrating the text in various languages—each performance delivered in the native tongue of the audience. This time, the voice of the charismatic Israeli actor Rodie Kozlovsky will be heard in Rishon LeZion. The tale of the first days of Creation will be told in Hebrew—the sacred language that has risen from the sands of time and penetrated everyday life to shine and resound with renewed strength.
Genesis is an innovative work—the result of Dr. Berliner’s heroic, inspired, and unparalleled endeavor. On a September evening, the Israeli audience will have the chance to experience it in the acoustically impeccable Heichal HaTarbut hall.
Let me briefly delve into Dr. Berliner’s biography. His grandfather, originally from Germany, moved to Vienna, where he bred racehorses and later opened a motorcar factory. His father, Shabtai, earned an excellent reputation working as a lawyer in Berlin. He once bought a plot of land in Kfar Saba, which proved invaluable when the Nazis seized the family’s property and threatened their lives. Shabtai Berliner was the first person to bring tractors to Mandatory Palestine. Baruch Berliner’s mother, Charlotte, was a brilliant pianist, and her artistic finesse was fully passed down to her son. The first sabra in his family, Dr. Berliner was born in Tel Aviv in 1942. Music has always played a significant role in his life. As a child, he took violin lessons from the renowned violinist and composer Ödön Pártos. Having finished school in Berlin, he studied in Switzerland, in Zurich. He earned a third academic degree in mathematics and a second one in physics. Dr. Berliner worked at a prestigious Swiss company as an actuary—a specialist in insurance mathematics. Later, he returned to Israel and taught at Tel Aviv University.
For me, Dr. Berliner is the true salt of the earth and a pride of the Jewish people. A mathematician and poet, a man in love with music, he has accomplished a titanic and unequaled artistic feat. Deserving of great admiration, his composition recounts God’s deeds through the voices of the orchestra and the narrator. Together with his loyal companion, friend, and manager—the talented musician Nachum Slutzker—Dr. Berliner created a melodious, harmonious, and poignant parable about higher powers and vital matters.
Conductor Rotem Nir, who will lead the orchestra on this memorable night, is also a musician of outstanding prowess. A true wunderkind, this talented young man has made his mark in the musical community as a virtuoso interpreter of the most complex works of global music heritage. A fearless and ambitious intellectual, he grows creatively with each concert. At the recently concluded music festival in Salzburg, the Israeli maestro worked with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, assisting Timur Zangiev as an essential contributor to the performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s The Gambler, which became the highlight of the event. One esteemed Israeli rabbi remarked that Mr. Nir at the conductor’s podium resembles a wise and far-sighted officer before his soldiers. I would add: he reminds of a young Moses before his brethren. I believe him to be more than capable of tackling Genesis.
The world will be created in one of the most elegant concert halls in Israel—Rishon LeZion’s Heichal HaTarbut. The orchestra, which has known many victories and triumphs, accompanying almost all significant opera productions in our country, will perform in its finest role—that of a divine instrument. This marvelous symphonic ensemble has embarked on its 36th season, which is sure to present challenges. However, the orchestra is thriving and cohesive, and the music is vibrant—after all, the world was created for this, for great harmony, was it not?
The present Rishon orchestra carries on the traditions of the ensemble founded in this city in 1895. The history of this ensemble resembles a beautiful melody. Its glory reflects the glory of Israeli art, the Jewish land, and its nation. May the orchestra thrive!
The world will be created in Rishon LeZion on September 24. And we are all invited. Peace to all who tread upon our ancient and eternal land.