Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray
                                                                                                              
Musical Programs

 

  


Deborah’s spirited and soulful Jewish music reflects the traditions she grew up with and the musical influences of her youth – Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Bonnie Raitt, as well as traditional cantorial and holy day music. Deborah can create a program that shows the passion and beauty of Jewish music to suit any group. Using guitar and voice, Deborah can simplify a program or bring several instrumentalists to create a fuller and richer sound.
Requirements: Two microphones, music stand.Audience:
All ages 


Programs Performed:

 

Israel in Song 

60 years of beautiful music in honor of Israel’s milestone anniversary. Pioneer, Chassidic Festival and Songs of Peace connect us to Israel’s history and culture in a moving and uplifting way.  

Jewish Soul 

Traditional synagogue music tweaked for modern ears- guitar and nusach together creating a new sound. New synagogue music that helps elevate the meaning of prayer will have you singing along.   

The Good Old Days- Jewish Nostalgic Music
Gershwin and Yiddish together at last!  The sentimental music of Gershwin and wonderful Yiddish theater and folk songs will have you singing and tapping your toes! 

 

 

 

The Lighter Side of Jewish Music- Parodies and Singalong! 

Some of the most wonderful music put to clever  Jewish words for holidays – Enjoy an array of Israeli and Yiddish singalongs to get in the mood for any holiday!

 

The Evolving Role of Women in Judaism 

As founder of the Women Cantors’ Network, Deborah is a pioneer woman cantor whose organization is now 300 strong from 5 countries and 34 states. What is the history of women in Judaism? How did the issue of Kol Isha evolve? What new traditions are being created? What has been the impact of so many women rabbis and cantors in the United States? 

Finding Family Through Song
A beautiful and moving story of music, faith and family. Featured and interviewed by national public radio, "The Story" for Yom Hashoah, April 21, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Concert Reviews

 

Katchko-Gray can  reproduce “ that old sound” by calling on melodies she received personally in true oral tradition. 


Scales Out of Shul  May 2007

Hadassah Magazine 

 

Thank-you again for a wonderful concert- Inspiring, beautiful and fun!

 

Alan Feld

Professor of Law

Boston University  2008

 

Deborah Katchko is such a wonderful gift to our festival!

 

Berna Hayden, National Children’s Choir Director

Tzipora Wiesel Children’s Music Festival

Ireland 2006

 

Hazzan Deborah Katchko-Gray supported by flutist Mattan Klein and  Seeds of Sun…just rocked the house and blew the roof off of Beth Judah for almost two hours. A mix between Mid-East, Israeli, Jewish pop, cantorial, Yiddish and kid-family friendly favorites..add to that a rather hot Israeli jazz trio and you have an explosive, energetic reaction. Everyone was clicking on all cylinders and the crowd ate it up.

Debbie is the real deal and can deliver it all. She has a powerful and sweet voice that works well in various styles and involved us locals nicely.

 

Hazzan Alan Smolen  2008

Cong. Beth Judah

Ventnor City, NJ


One of our most successful Scholar - In - Residence programs ever ! She brings an accomplished voice, and a lively spirit that will fill your synagogue with music and joy. Cantor Debbie led Friday night and Shabbat morning services and a sing-along program for children and adults on Sunday morning. Her music, voice and personality enchanted all of our members.

Rabbi Martin I. Sandberg    April, 2009
Beth Shalom Congregation
Jacksonville, Florida



National Public Radio Interview, April 21st, 2009
"The Story" Finding Family Through Song

Yom HaShoah


Click on the link below to listen (32 minutes)


http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_758_Finding_Family_Through_Song.mp3/view

"Finding Family Through Song"- A Story - The presentation given by Cantor Katchko-Gray of Temple Shearith Israel of Ridgefield, CT on Thursday October 29th, 2009 was a remarkable presentation. This was an inspiring and moving story of music, faith and family beautifully told. We think it was definately one of the very best programs that the Mary Brewster Fund has offered!

Zayne McFarlane. Co Chair, Mary Brewster Committee, St. Stevens Church, Ridgefield, CT.  October, 2009


In telling her story of living history and astonishing discovery, Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray brings to life the love and faithfulness of holocaust survivors and the generations who remember them. People of faith will be embraced by Cantor Debbie’s generous spirit, learn first hand about the important of remembrance and rekindle their hope for a peaceful world.

Reverend Marc Delcuze, St. Stevens Church, Ridgefield, CT   October, 2009



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