Choral Singing Creates a Harmony of Sharp Minds and Healthy Hearts

“Singing your heart out” is more than an expression of joy and enthusiasm. Studies have shown that singing has a profound impact on health and healing, including benefits to your heart, lungs, brain and more. It also reduces stress and can contribute to positive mental and social health through the development of self‐expression and interpersonal relationships, particularly among community groups of singers.

The Zamir Choral Foundation offers a variety of choral music experiences which inspire community including the annual North American Jewish Choral Festival for all ages; HaZamir Preparatory Program for middle school grades; HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir for high school students; Zamir Noded for young people 18-35; and the acclaimed Zamir Chorale, the flagship ensemble for adults.

Maestro Matthew Lazar, Founder and Director of Zamir Choral Foundation says that “Learning interconnected text and music while harmonizing with peers in a choir helps to develop a variety of cognitive, artistic and social skills. It nurtures the mind, body and soul.” According to neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta singing keeps the brain active and healthy. He explains that combining music and lyrics does something not often seen: It activates multiple areas of the brain at the same time, which is good for physical health as well as mental health.

Psychotherapist Sarah Reynolds, Ph.D. further states that “The shared experience of creating beautiful music together brings joy and fulfillment. In those moments, stress dissipates, replaced by a sense of harmony within and around us. The mental stimulation and challenge provided by choir singing contribute to maintaining a sharp and agile mind. From enhancing emotional resilience to promoting social connection, alleviating stress, encouraging mindfulness, and fostering a sense of purpose and achievement, choir singing is a powerful tool.”

Choral singing has an impact on quality of life as well. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the phrase “third place” as a gathering location beyond home and work where people go to connect with others. He determined that these places are crucial to a balanced, happy life. “We’ve seen first-hand that being part of a larger community boosts self-confidence and helps to alleviate anxiety,” adds Vivian Lazar, Director of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir. “Singing with others helps create positive feelings as well as a support system, and the positive energy is multiplied within the group setting.”

The Zamir musical programs offer a welcoming environment in which to express Jewish identity through choral singing, and an opportunity to form lasting connections with others who have mutual interests. For more information visit www.zamirchoralfoundation.org.

The Zamir Choral Foundation, created by Matthew Lazar, promotes choral music as a vehicle to inspire Jewish life, literacy, community, and connection to Israel. The Zamir Choral Foundation is guided by an expansive vision of vibrant Jewish identity across the generational, denominational and political continuums through the study and performance of Jewish music at the highest level of excellence.

Zamir is committed to:

Community: Pluralism and respect are immutable foundational values for us. The only thing that defines us is that we are sopranos, altos, tenors or basses.

Jewish literacy: Because choral music incorporates text singers learn Jewish history, culture and traditions through the pieces they sing.

Excellence: We work towards the highest level of music education and performance.

Love of Israel:  Zamir believes that musical partnerships and face-to-face relationships create friendships that last a lifetime and ensure continued strengthening and support for the Jewish state. Zamir has been going to Israel since 1967 for performance tours and missions, and for the past 15 years HaZamir has created meaningful connections between HaZamir singers in Israel and the United States.

Changing lives: Singing is a source of joy, healing, strength and unity. Unbreakable bonds of friendship are created and a lasting Jewish community is built.