Naftali Hershtik

Naftali Herstik () is a well known chazzan (cantor) and teacher. He was born in Salgótarján, Hungary and came with his family to Israel at the age of 3. He is descended from a long line of cantor and Rabbis, and was recognized as a cantorial prodigy from his early childhood, singing as a teen in concerts with Cantor Moshe Koussevitzky.

Education

Herstik's first teacher was his father, Moshe Menachem Herstik. Subsequently, he studied with Cantors Leib Glantz and Shlomo Ravitz. He later graduated from the Royal College of Music in London.

Professional accomplishments

Cantor Herstik served as the Cantor of the Finchley Synagogue in London while simultaneously studying at the Royal College of Music. In 1981, he was appointed the Chief Cantor of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue, a position he held up to December 31, 2008. He has performed with the London Festival Orchestra, the London Mozart Players, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, The Israel Philharmonic as well as many choirs, including the one at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue. In February, 2010, Cantor Herstik led a Shabbat service at the Yeshurun Synagogue, Edgware, London.

Style

Cantor Herstik's style of Cantorial music bears a Western European influence, often employing the compositions of Louis Lewandowski, Moshe Kraus, Salomon Sulzer and Samuel Alman, and he has participated in concerts in Europe and Israel dedicated to their compositions. Herstik is also known for his interpretations of the works of Cantor......
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