For young musicians, finding an orchestra that challenges them artistically can be difficult. For Jewish students who observe Shabbat, finding one that also accommodates their religious lives can be even harder.
Orchestra Tikvah was created to bridge that gap, bringing together Jewish string musicians for a chamber orchestra experience where musical excellence and Jewish identity find harmony.
The youth orchestra launched its first cohort in Nashville this summer, bringing together 13 students and two counselors from nine states. The musicians spent several days rehearsing, performing and building connections with one another and with the Nashville Jewish community.
For Artistic Director Dr. Zack Ebin, the idea for Orchestra Tikvah began more than six years ago when he was thinking of what could be created for young Jewish musicians who observe Shabbat.
Ebin, who has played violin since he was three and comes from a family of musicians, said many high-level opportunities for young classical musicians conflict with Shabbat. All-State orchestras can rehearse or perform on weekends, creating a barrier for observant Jewish students.
The idea became even more urgent following Oct. 7, 2023, as antisemitism increased and Jewish students faced new questions about how proudly they could express their identity.
“I’m concerned that if we as educators are trying to teach children to express themselves, what happens when part of their identity is something that the world is not so accepting of?” Ebin said. “But at the same time, if they’re a Jewish musician, they’re connected to a very rich heritage.”
Orchestra Tikvah aims to give those students a place to be both serious musicians and proudly Jewish.
They focus on music by Jewish composers and those who incorporated elements of their identity into their work. The program was made possible through an anonymous donation and support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.
Students were recruited through Jewish and music education networks and arrived in Nashville with their music in hand.
The group began rehearsing on a Sunday and had to be ready to perform by Thursday. Through readings, rehearsals, and learning together, they were prepared to perform for the Nashville community. The first for a senior lunch at the Gordon Jewish Community Center, next for residents at Abe’s Garden, and the final at Congregation Sherith Israel.
For 15-year-old violinist Meir Kleinhaus of Manhattan, the opportunity was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“For me it’s an opportunity for a Jewish string musician to be in a totally Jewish and Orthodox setting while playing advanced pieces,” he said.
Kleinhaus said finding a serious orchestra that does not conflict with Shabbat can be difficult. His school does not have an orchestra, and although he participates in a weekly ensemble, he said it is not as advanced as ensembles that play on Shabbat.
With Orchestra Tikvah, he was able to play challenging music and be among Jewish musicians who understood that experience.
“I don’t often get to play with other Jewish string musicians, besides my sister,” Kleinhaus said. “It was interesting to see how they played and what their experience was like.”
Kleinhaus said the first few days were demanding.
“It was intensive, but Dr. Ebin made sure we had fun,” he said. “He always switched it up, it wasn’t the same thing all the time.”
Twelve-year-old violinist Ayelet Presser had never heard of a Jewish orchestra camp before.
“I was really excited to be part of the group and I knew I’d have an amazing time,” she said. “I wasn’t wrong at all.”
For Presser, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was meeting other Jewish musicians.
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“It felt like we had so much in common, and it was such a fun experience to play beautiful music for the community,” she said. “The other musicians were very nice and everyone worked so well together.”
The community performances allowed the students to see the impact of their work beyond rehearsals. At the senior lunch, Sharon Solomon watched the musicians, tapping along to the music.
“That was awesome,” she said. “I can’t play anything, but I love music and that was just awesome.”
She was particularly impressed that the program brought together young musicians from across the country.
“Music keeps people, especially Jewish people, together,” Solomon said.
When not in rehearsals or performances, the students visited Nashville’s Station Inn, explored downtown and tried line dancing, and shared Shabbat dinner.
This was more than just a week for music and connecting. Kleinhaus said the students have stayed in touch through group chats and have even started an Orchestra Tikvah fantasy football league.
“It’s a really unique experience; there’s really nothing like it,” he said. “I thought the whole thing was amazing.”
Ebin hopes to continue Orchestra Tikvah next year and replicate the rehearsals and community performances while expanding the program into a small Southeast tour, potentially including performances in Atlanta and Memphis.
