Prague Journal

Friday, June 17, 2005.

Services at the Spanish Synagogue this evening was more like a concert than a Shabbat service. The voices of the Moscow Men’s Choir—7 men, a director, and cantor Boris Finkelshteyn—filled the hall. There was a fairly large crowd of tourists, some in groups and others passing through on their own, but most of us were delighted listeners, not participative singers this evening. The Moscow Men’s Choir is in town for the Nine Gates Festival, and will be performing at the Spanish Synagogue on Sunday evening. Unfortunately, our social schedule is already booked.
After services we went to the Reduta Jazz Club to hear guitarist Tony Ackerman and pianist Martin Kratkovil. We haven’t heard them play since we were here seven years ago with Matt. Tony and Martin were as good and innovative as ever. Percussionist Musa Zangi added wonderful bongo riffs. It was a small crowd, so we had great seats. Seven years ago we would have been driven out by smoke. Now, few people smoke so it is a pleasure to stay until the last set, which ended with just enough time for us to catch the last metro home!

posted by JWinn @ 11:42 PM