David Fallman 1927 - 2004 If you are interested in joining the Choir, please e-mail choir@ilfordsynagogue.co.uk
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During 1959 and at the invitation of the then Honorary Officers, Mr. David Fallman asked for volunteers
to join the projected choir. There were many volunteers, most of whom were young and keen but had no knowledge of music and little singing experience. There had been no choral services in Ilford until that time. Many congregants had never heard a choral service. After voice tests and some subsequent pruning, we were left with some twenty keen but totally inexperienced singers. David Fallman had, prior to moving to Ilford, been a choirmaster at North London Synagogue, Lofting Road, Islington, a United Synagogue, now defunct.
David Fallman proceeded to sort the singers into various parts and to commence rehearsals. These took place during the summer months and in time for the Yomim Noraim, 1959, we had a choir ready to support the Chazan, Rev.J.Skaletsky, for the whole of the services. This year also coincided with the use, for the first time, of the Odeon, Gants Hill, which at that time could, and did, hold 1700 people.
By the Grace of G-d, the majority of singers at that first Yom Tov are
still with us, are members of the choir and still singing. Their loyalty
has been tremendous. Sadly we have lost a few over the years, whose memory
is indelible, and we are mostly of a certain age but we have still
attracted some younger members who enjoy participating. Although we have
had a series of other choirmasters, notably Mr.Arthur Poznanski, David
Fallman returned for the 40th anniversary and has continued since. The
choir, which sings most Shabbattot and all Yomim Tovim, has acquired a large
repertoire and is delighted to be able to render now rarely heard tunes
when occasion offers.
Footnote:
Although David Fallman retired from the position of Choirmaster at the end
of 2002, and has since passed away, the choir takes great pride in its 43 years of continuity, and we
are delighted that Arthur Poznanski has once again taken up the baton to
lead our choir forward.
The Shul Choir at 40