On Wednesday, October 28, Fairfield's Daniel Pearl World Music Days virtual celebration will feature “Cantor Azi Schwartz in Concert: From Bimah to Broadway.” The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. and will be delivered as a Zoom webinar. Register to attend at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms.

Noted Cantor Azi Schwartz’s music is beloved by both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, for the emotion it evokes and for Cantor Schwartz’s artistry. This online event is part of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days Concert series, a network of more than 6,000 musical performances held annually in October to honor the life of the slain Wall Street Journal writer Daniel Pearl, who believed that music is a powerful force that can bring people together.

Born and raised in Israel, Azi Schwartz attended Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute and earned a master's degree in classical singing and conducting from the Mannes School of Music at the New School in New York City. He currently serves as senior cantor at the Park Avenue Synagogue, the largest conservative Jewish community in New York City, and the flagship of Jewish liturgical music in North America.

Bennett Center Director Ellen Umansky, PhD, is especially delighted to host Cantor Schwartz this year. “This year’s concert will be our opportunity to honor the Bennett Center’s founder, Carl Bennett, on the occasion of his 100^th birthday," she said. "I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a man who has given so much to further Jewish causes and culture over the years. We have been truly blessed to have his support.”

This concert is complimentary, thanks to the generosity of Doug and Sharon Karp. In addition to honoring Carl Bennett, the concert will honor the memory of Harry D. Haims and Dr. Alfred Wolfsohn.