The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 16
Festival of Lights: A Chanukah Celebration in the
Christopher James Lees Benjamin Geller 7:00 pm · Knight Theater
Heart of Uptown
conductor viola
By Cantor Shira Lissek, The days are still long, and the sun still shines brightly as we head back to school— but already, plans are underway for something magical this December: a citywide celebration of Chanukah like Charlotte has never seen before.
Imagine the glow of Chanukah at the Knight Theater, as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the Charlotte Jewish Community, presents Festival of Lights— a luminous, historic celebration taking place on Thursday, Dec. 18 Christopher, 2025, at 7 p. m James. Lees
This first-ever conductorcitywide Chanukah concert brings to-
Cantor Shira Lessek
A HANUKKAH CONCERT
On the fourth night of Hanukkah, join the
gether world-class musicians, acclaimed cantors, and voices across generations for an unforgettable night of joy, tradition, and light. Held on the fourth night of Chanukah, Festival of Lights is a powerful expression of music and meaning for the entire Charlotte region.
Charlotte Symphony President and CEO David Fisk shares:“ We’ re building on years of powerful collaborations with our Jewish community— from the Defiant Requiem at the Levine JCC to the Yom HaShoah Commemoration and Kristallnacht Concert at Benjamin Temple Israel Geller. Festival of Lights is viola the next natural step vocalist— a joyful Chanukah celebration that uplifts through music and spirit.”
Under the baton of Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees, the concert will feature:
• Beloved Chanukah classics and spirited contemporary works.
• Orchestral gems by Gershwin, Bernstein, and Stephen Schwartz.
• Soul-stirring performances by Cantor Shira Lissek( Temple Israel) and Cantor Danielle Rodnizki( Temple Beth El).
• A heartfelt performance of
Cantor Shira Lissek
Christopher James Lees conductor
“ L’ dor Vador – Forevermore” by Jacob“ Spike” Kraus, performed by a community-wide children’ s choir.
• A moving candle lighting vocalist ceremony.
• A festive audience singalong featuring“ Ma’ oz Tzur,”“ I Have a Little Dreidel,” and more.
“ We’ re bringing the heart of
Benjamin Geller viola
Charlotte Symphony as we bring together
Enjoy inspiring performances by cantors voices from Jewish congregations across a children the region’ s choir— for, the plus first a time lively— for a sing-alon
joyful celebration of music and light. favorite Hanukkah so
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Presented by the Charlotte favorite Hanukkah Symphony songs Orches. collaboration with the Charlotte Jewish Commu
Chanukah to the heart of Uptown— illuminating and inspiring voices raised in song in the city we call home,” says Lees.“ It’ s a night that honors both tradition and transformation.”
In these challenging times, Festival of Lights is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the miracles we make together. It’ s a night of connection, beauty, and pride— when generations gather not just to celebrate, but to shine.
Festival of Lights is not just for the Jewish community— it’ s for everyone who believes in the power of music to uplift, unite, and heal. Whether you’ re singing along or simply soaking in the glow, your presence helps light up our city.
Enjoy inspiring performances by cantors and a children’ s choir, plus a lively sing-along of
Presented by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Charlotte Jewish Community.
On the fourth night of Hanukkah, join the Charlotte Symphony as we bring charlottesymphony together. org voices from Jewish congregations across the region— for the first time— for a joyful celebration of music and light.
Cantor Shira Lissek vocalist
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Bring your family. Bring your friends BUY. Bring TICKETS your voice NOW.!
Let’ s light the fourth candle together— and shine a collective light on this extraordinary celebration.
BUY TICKETS NO charlottesymphony. o
Scan the QR Code to Register
Enjoy inspiring performances by cantors and
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki a children’ s choir vocalist, plus a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.
Presented by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Cantor Danielle Rodnizki collaboration with the Charlotte Jewish Community.
BUY TICKETS NOW! charlottesymphony. org
Cantor Shira Lissek vocalist
The following individuals / families are in the Book of Life Society and have granted us permission to share with you that Hebrew Cemetery Association has been included as a beneficiary of their legacy gift.
charlottejewishfoundation. org
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki vocalist
LEGACY DONORS
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Want to join the growing list of CJL donors? Contact Phil Warshauer( 704) 973-4544 or Abby Kleber( 704) 973-4554.