Composer Jonathan M. Blair, featured artist at Miracle Drive, Jewish Gala

3 pieces were commissioned of the composer for the opening for one of the largest Jewish charity Gala’s in South Africa— The Miracle Drive. The pieces were selected as a complimentary offering of Jewish culture today, from music derived from the jewish prayer books, the chazan concert tradition, and an arrangement of the populist Leonard Cohen piece, Hallelujah.

The pieces were written for French pianist, Jan Hugo, flautist Liesl Stolz, and cellist Pieter Adriaan.The pieces were premiered at the Charity event on November 11th, where millions were raised for various outreach programs and charities.

The pieces represent a shift in the composer’s academic interests in incorporating streams of Jewish musical culture into a distinct chamber style that is decidedly far-less demanding than the complex and technically demanding works that have come to characterize the composer’s catalogue and reputation.