Program generously supported by Mona & Richard Kerstine

Cincinnati Song Initiative, in partnership with the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, presents the second of two installments celebrating Jewish culture and history.
Experience the story of Passover like never before through vibrant multi-genres, new works and arrangements, and the soulful and diverse Jewish musical traditions of the holiday. Join us on a journey from the Prince of Egypt by Stephen Schwartz, to Yiddish jazz, songs composed by Jews who were imprisoned during the Holocaust including Ilse Weber, and songs by Simon & Garfunkel, Gerald Cohen, Simon Barrad, Robert Owens, Ernest Bloch and Samuel Steinberg.
Flory Jagoda, arr. Ronny Michael Greenberg Pesah A Mano
Chaim Stranski Es Benkt Zikh Nokh Ahaym “We Long For Home”
Various: Stephen Schwartz, Robert Owens, Edward Elgar “Moses Medley”
Erwin Schulhoff V. Toccata "Kitten on the keys" from 5 Jazz Etudes
H. Leslie Adams “Prayer” (from Five Millay Songs)
Ladino Traditional Scalerica De Oro
Ernest Bloch “Nigun” (from Baal Shem: Three Pictures of Chassidic Life)
Bonnie Tyler Holding Out For A Hero
Robert Lopez & Kristin Anderson-Lopez, arr. Simon Barrad “Let Us Go” arranged from Frozen “Let It Go”
Joseph Beer Weit Draussen (from Stradella in Venedig)
Gerald Cohen, arr. Simon Barrad Psalm 23
George Frideric Handel Venti Turbini (from Rinaldo)
Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water
Stephen Schwartz, arr. Ronny Michael Greenberg Prince of Egypt Medley
JIVE – Jewish Innovative Voices & Experiences is a groundbreaking music series celebrating the depth and diversity of Jewish musical traditions while bringing fresh perspectives to cultural storytelling. Co-founded by GRAMMY® Award-winning countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, baritone and Cantorial Soloist of Sherith Israel Simon Barrad, and pianist and impresario Ronny Michael Greenberg, JIVE presents performances spanning klezmer, Sephardic song, opera, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary works. Rooted in the themes of Jewish holidays, such as renewal for Rosh Hashanah and resilience for Passover, the series brings tradition to life through fresh interpretations that connect with modern audiences.
Beyond performance, JIVE is dedicated to bringing Jewish music into the community through partnerships with schools, senior centers, and cultural institutions. Working with organizations such as the Rhoda Goldman and the Vi in Palo Alto, JIVE reaches audiences of all ages, deepening the connection between Jewish musical heritage and contemporary life.
Expanding its reach, JIVE will present performances at Sonoma State University’s Jewish Music Series, the Cincinnati Song Initiative in collaboration with the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, and Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes. These programs explore music as a powerful form of storytelling, blending historical and contemporary influences. Dayenu: Celebrating Passover highlights themes of freedom and resilience, featuring works by Jewish composers, including those who created music under oppression. A Golden New Year: Celebrating Rosh Hashanah offers a rich mix of traditional and modern Jewish music, reflecting the holiday’s themes of renewal and reflection.
JIVE is also launching two major artistic initiatives that connect Jewish history with the present. A commission inspired by Gustav Klimt’s artwork will tell the stories of Jewish families whose paintings were stolen by the Nazis and later reinstated, with planned collaborations with the Jewish Contemporary Museum and Holocaust Museum LA. Meanwhile, Hand in Hand, a partnership with the San Francisco Interfaith Council, will merge Handel’s Messiah and Judas Maccabeus in a musical celebration of Hanukkah and Christmas, building bridges between faiths through shared artistic traditions.
Through innovative programming, meaningful collaborations, and a commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future, JIVE is redefining Jewish musical storytelling. By preserving tradition while expanding artistic possibilities, JIVE ensures that Jewish music continues to inspire for generations to come.
Parking
Free parking is available in the lot to the west of ARCO. The parking lot can be entered from Price or Elberon.
Accessibility
Accessible parking spaces are available directly outside the west doors of the building. Once inside the west doors, there is an elevator to the left that will take you to the performance hall on the 3rd floor.