Music

THE TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL CHOIR

Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe, Music Director and Organist

Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe is a major musical force throughout the region as an organist, harpsichordist, conductor, and accompanist. Stephenson-Moe served as the organist-choirmaster at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota from 1974 to 2020 and currently services as organist and choirmaster at Temple Beth Israel. She has performed recitals at St. Thomas Church in New York City, Trinity Church in Boston, and the American Cathedral in Paris. A graduate of Florida State University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science followed by a Master of History from Rollins College. Stephenson-Moe also has a Master of Sacred Music, summa cum laude, from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

 

Florence Katz (z’l) Music Director Emerita, Jul. 9, 1915 – Dec. 26, 2015

Florence Katz (z”l) had musical talent and a deep love and appreciation for art and music. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in music from Oberlin College in 1937 and a Masters degree in music from Ohio State University in 1939.  She played the violin and later the viola in the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. Florence was an active member of Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key and was an Honorary Lifetime member of the Board of Trustees.  Florence was also committed to the mission and vision of Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Sarasota-Manatee.

Her love of music, combined with her determination and boundless energy, gave birth to the Temple Israel choir which has and continues to bring joy to so many. She served as the original choir and music director at Temple Beth Israel for 22 years. She passed away at the age of 100 in 2015. The Florence Katz Memorial Concert is held annual in her name at TBI, which benefits the choir. 

 

CALLING ALL SINGERS!

Temple Beth Israel is inviting you to join and sing with our Temple Choir. We sing weekly and have rehearsals generally every other week.

No prior experience necessary, only a love of singing. The Temple choir sings every Friday night for the 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service. We rehearse at 6:45 p.m. in the choir room. It is fun, good for your spirit, and uplifting for us during the Temple service. If you are interested, contact Ann Stephenson-Moe (941) 735-4606 or email [email protected].  

Music is an integral part of our religious services as well as our Temple life. We join in song during our services with our Temple Choir. We are indeed blessed with a choir of thirty voices with four professional vocalists and an organist. Under its founder, Florence Katz (z”l), it has achieved a position as one of the leading choral groups on the West Coast of Florida.

The choir participates in all holiday and Friday night Shabbat Services and performs at least one special concert for the congregation and members of the community annually. Among other appearances, it is the major choral group at Longboat Key’s Annual Interfaith Service.

We greatly acknowledge the consistent contribution of our volunteer choir.  They have dedicated time and effort to enhance our services with their beautiful voices.

We extend special thanks to Ruth Kreindler for her generous gift to the Music Program, since 2013, in memory of her beloved husband, Lee.