"His perfect blend of voices and outstanding soloists created a sound never heard before in Jewish music"

Yigal Calek was an innovator. His perfect blend of voices and outstanding soloists created a sound never heard before in Jewish music. The meticulous outfits and brilliant choreography shaped a new dimension, which was eventually imitated by others along the road.

His charismatic personality captured audiences all over the world. In 1972, Moish Kahn a”h brought the London School of Jewish Song to Brooklyn College for three performances. I was hired as the opening act for the first night, and Jo Amar opened the other performances. After my first performance, they decided to add me on to the other two concerts. With siyata d’Shmaya, all three nights were sold out in advance.

Yigal returned several times to the New York stages for many successful performances. In 1991, he was invited to the HASC stage where he received a standing ovation. I was honored to share the stage with him and his group many times in Europe and Israel, too, which left me with many sweet memories. On my most recent visit to London, I went to visit him. We spent quality time together reminiscing about many happy moments that we share.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 870)