Our History
Kol Zimrah (Voice of Song) was founded in 1996 by Cantor Richard Cohn as an outgrowth of an ad hoc chorus assembled for the Jerusalem 3000 celebration in Chicago and, upon the group’s incorporation, became an opportunity for lay singers to have a high-quality experience connected to the global Jewish choral movement.
Cantor Cohn served as the group’s musical director until 2006. He was succeeded by Maestro Richard Boldrey and, later, Cantor Pavel Roytman. During Professor Boldrey’s tenure and continuing with Cantor Royman, Margo Schwartz-Newton is Kol Zimrah’s pianist. She continues in that role while also serving as assistant conductor and the administrator of the group.
Cantor Cohn served as the group’s musical director until 2006. He was succeeded by Maestro Richard Boldrey and, later, Cantor Pavel Roytman. During Professor Boldrey’s tenure and continuing with Cantor Royman, Margo Schwartz-Newton is Kol Zimrah’s pianist. She continues in that role while also serving as assistant conductor and the administrator of the group.