A unique concert of world music

The sound of music will fill the Free Synagogue of Flushing when choirs from nine diverse houses of worship come together for an Interfaith Choral Festival on Sunday, May 18.
The concert seeks to celebrate diversity, while promoting harmony and understanding among religious groups, according to Sheila Tower, special events chairperson and immediate past president of the Synagogue.
“Flushing is the most ethnically and religiously diverse community in the United States, indeed in the world,” she said. “All the groups are very excited about participating in the event. Music is a universal language that everyone understands.” The concert, which starts at 3 p.m., is free and open to the public.
All of the performing groups are based in Flushing, but the concert will have an international flavor, reflecting the religious diversity of the area. It will feature music from the Free Synagogue’s Cantor and Choir, the Buddhist Society of New York, the Church on the Hill, the Hindu Temple, the Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mother’s Choir of the YWCA (a Korean group), St. George’s Episcopal/Anglican Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church.
The concert will take place in the synagogue’s magnificent sanctuary, which has been called the “Radio City Music Hall” of Flushing because of its superb sound capabilities and exquisite design. Dark green wood pillars are graced with intricate gold-leaf filigree. Stained glass windows, crafted in Czechoslovakia, surround the sanctuary in rich radiant colors.
“As far as we know, this is the only concert of its kind, at least in our area,” said Free Synagogue Cantor Steven Pearlston, Ph.D. “It brings religions together and presents an opportunity to see how they worship through song. Religions from all over the world will be represented, and much of the excitement comes from the groups that are so anxious to perform and to hear the other choirs.” The Synagogue is located at 41-60 Kissena Boulevard. Anyone who would like more information is invited to call 718-961-0030. Some free parking is available.
Founded in 1917, the Free Synagogue stands as the oldest Reform Synagogue in Queens. It was built through the efforts of the Hebrew Woman’s Aid Society of Flushing. The “Free Synagogue” movement is based on four principals: freedom of the pulpit for the rabbi; freedom of the pew - no reserved seating in the sanctuary; direct, full participation of the community; and dedication to the ideals of liberal democracy and commitment to the Jewish faith. The founders’ belief in commitment, freedom and equality of the sexes remaining guiding principals today.