Summer 2027 Program
Program Overview
In summer 2027, Orchestra Tikvah will be an intensive chamber music program for 20 Jewish string students in 7th to 12th grade. Over the course of one week, students will participate in rehearsals, sectionals, and coaching sessions at Congregation Sherith Israel, while also building community through shared meals and housing nearby.
The program will culminate in multiple public performances in Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville featuring repertoire by Jewish composers who integrated their heritage into their creative work. Concerts will be community-oriented, and the final gala performance will take place on Sunday, July 14th at 7:30pm, 2027, at Congregation Sherith Israel.
Program Dates
July 4 – 15, 2027
All rehearsals, sectionals, and practice time will take place at Congregation Sherith Israel. Students will gather for meals in the social hall and stay at a nearby hotel.
What Students Will Experience
- Musical Excellence: Daily rehearsals, sectionals, and coaching sessions on works by Jewish composers.
- Community Building: Shared meals, Shabbat observance, and friendships with peers who share a passion for both music and Judaism.
- Cultural Engagement: Performances for diverse audiences in the Nashville community.
- Jewish Identity: Optional daily prayer, Shabbat celebrations, text study, and a week grounded in Jewish values.
Audition Information
Eligibility
Orchestra Tikvah is open to Jewish string students entering grades 7–12 in Fall 2027.
Audition Requirements
- Video audition of two contrasting pieces
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher
- 1 minute video of why making music with other Jewish musicians is important to them.
What We’re Looking For
Students committed to musical excellence with prior orchestral or chamber experience. Participants should be prepared for intensive rehearsals and challenging repertoire.
Application Deadline
Application deadline: February 15, 2027
- Students will be notified by March 1
- Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis
- Accompaniment not required
Tuition & Scholarships
All students will receive a full scholarship which includes room and board. Students are responsible for their travel to and from Nashville and any fees associated with transporting instruments.
Program Schedule
Sunday, July 4
- 4:00 PM – Arrival and Orientation
- 5:30 PM – Dinner
- 6:30 PM – Opening rehearsal
- 8:00 PM – July 4th Celebration
Monday – Friday
- 6:30am Shacharit (optional)
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast
- 8:15 AM – Morning stretches
- 8:30 AM – Morning rehearsal
- 10:00 AM – Sectionals and practice time
- 11:00 AM – Rehearsal
- Noon: lunch
- 1:30 PM – Rehearsal
- 3:30 PM – Sectional and practice time
- 5:30 PM – Dinner
- 7:00 PM – Mincha & Maariv (Optional)
- 7:30 PM – Evening activitiy
Concert Schedule
- TBD
Shabbat Schedule
Friday Night
- 7:00 PM – Kabbalat Shabbat at Congregation Sherith Israel
- 8:00 PM – Shabbat Dinner
Saturday Morning & Afternoon
- 9:00 AM – Shacharit at Congregation Sherith Israel
- 11:30 AM – Lunch at Congregation Sherith Israel
- 1:30 PM – Shabbat Rest Time
- 4:00 PM – Group Text Study and Discussion: Music and Judaism
- 7:00 PM – Mincha, Seudat Shlishit, and Maariv
After Shabbat, we will gather for a musical Havdalah, Melaveh Malkah, and Preview Concert.
Location
Congregation Sherith Israel
3600 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37205