All That Glitters: A Night of Opera and Song with Cantor Katie Kaplan, Cantor Talya Smilowitz and Pianist Violetta Zabbi

Cantor Katie Kaplan and Cantor Talya Smilowitz became friends at a Cantors convention in Los Angeles two years ago. They discovered similar passions and experiences in performing arias and songs from the classical repertoire. Both women, having studied and majored in vocal performance in two prestigious New York City schools, led them from the classical world to the world of traditional Jewish music.  The idea of this concert came about this past summer at the North American Choral Festival and they have enjoyed singing beloved songs from their past to share with concert goers.

Cantor Katie Kaplan brings an open heart to her calling as a cantor. She creates sacred space through music, inviting connection with the divine spark in every person. Her voice has been described by congregants as “angelic,” “deeply spiritual,” and “a balm for the soul.” She weaves chant, meditation, and traditional melodies, along with new and original compositions to create engaging prayer and meaningful lifecycle experiences for all. Cantor Kaplan’s passion for music and Judaism began in her childhood home in Rutland, Vermont. Her love of singing led her to pursue vocal performance at New York University. She sang numerous roles with regional opera companies and as a soloist before discovering her love of teaching. After earning an MS in Education she embarked on a fifteen year career as a voice teacher, music educator, and choral director. Her passion for teaching and learning continued to grow along with her love of Judaism, inspiring her to pursue cantorial studies. She earned her certification as Cantor through the Cantorial Intern of the Cantors Assembly (CICA) in 2021. Cantor Kaplan currently serves as the Cantor at Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT.

 A native of Odessa, Ukraine, Violetta Zabbi (Conductor/Musical Director) is an accomplished pianist, conductor and coach. Dr. Zabbi has been involved in over one hundred different opera projects while living in New York for the past twenty four years. She is currently on the faculties of Adelphi University and Brooklyn College. She is the music director and conductor with Vocal Productions NYC, New York Opera Studio and the Delaware Valley Opera. She appears as a pianist and coach with Regina Opera, Hofstra University and Opera Manhattan Repertoire, Oyster Bay Festival. For the past ten seasons she has performed with DCINY International at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and more. Dr. Zabbi also teaches piano at Prep College at Brooklyn College and privately.