The NSW Council of Christians and Jews has established an Interfaith Liturgical Music Excellence Award in the name of Cantor Michael
Deutsch.
Cantor Michael Deutsch was a giant of a man, both in the physical, in the vocal and in his love of all people. He was someone who enriched our communities with sophisticated cosmopolitan sensibilities, and who served as Cantor and as a leader of Jewish services with the dedication and grace of an inspiring passionate man who exemplified what we call Jewish values.
And as part of those values, he reached out to ‘the other’ and engaged in
wonderful and long term dialogue with the Christian community. His smile and warmth and engaging way, is well remembered by not only Jews but by others in our community.
With the approval of his family, the NSW Council of Christians and Jews wishes to commemorate Michael’s legacy to not only the Jewish community but to the community at large and to recognize also his musical excellence and achievements.
The purpose of the award is to recognize liturgical musical excellence, primarily from the Christian or Jewish traditions. The range of potential recipients is broad and comprises individuals as well as choirs, and a panel is still to be finalized but will include some members from outside mainstream liturgical music but still well recognized within musical training, opera and song.
The award will be awarded only where merit well above standards
is recognized as being consistently achieved and recognized within liturgical circles in the Christian and Jewish communities.
A Memorial and Tribute Service for him tomorrow at Emanuel Synagogue,
7 Ocean Street Woollahra, at 10.30am to 11.30am.