Dr. Laya Silber

Laya Silber is senior teacher and choral director at the Bar-Ilan University, where she teaches music theory, ear training, and conducting courses. Her research interests include Yiddish art song, American Yiddish theater music and the music of George Gershwin, choral music performance practice, and choral singing and well-being.

Education

Ed. D. Columbia University Teachers College. Title of dissertation: "Yiddish Art Song: a Comparative Study of Three Composers Representing Russia, America and Israel." Advisor: Mordecai Rubin, 1983.

M. Mus. New England Conservatory of Music (choral conducting), 1980.

B. Mus. Rubin Academy of Music and Dance (theory and conducting), 1978.

B. Ed. Michlala- Jerusalem College for Women (Judaic Studies), 1975.

Performances – Selection:

Performer and co-creator, "From Gershwin to Second Avenue," musical revue (included in recommended list of Omanut La'am), 1998-2000 (https://youtu.be/Q9QH0rVvqq8, https://youtu.be/EclAUiwnw7U) 

Guest conductor, Jerusalem Oratorio Choir and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, joint concert in honor of Jerusalem Day Concert, Sultan’s Pool, televised live, 1995

Conductor: Bet Guvrin Festival, with Jerusalem Oratorio Choir and Tivon Chamber Choir, 1995

Conductor, Tivon Chamber Choir, "Choral Premieres” (premiere performances of works by Israeli composers), 1995

Conductor, "Liturgica" Festival, Jerusalem Oratorio Choir and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, 1994. 

Teaching Experience:

Bar Ilan University:  Lecturer on theory and conducting, 1984 –

        Director of University choir, 1986 –

        Head of advanced degree conducting program, 2006-                      
        2008                                          

Jerusalem College for Women: Lecturer on theory and conducting, 1983-1993

              Department chair, 1991-1992

Other Professional Experience:

Prisoner Rehabilitation:

“TALAM” (Released Prisoners Employment), choir conductor, 2005

N’vei Tirza Prison for Women, choir conductor, 2003-2004

Choral Conducting:

Bar-Ilan University Choir, 1986 -

Jerusalem Oratorio Choir (approx. 180 singers), 1992-1995

Jerusalem Oratorio Chamber Choir, 1992-1995

Tivon Chamber Choir, 1994-1997

“Kolot” Choir of the Israel Museum, 1991-1992

Zamir Chorale Jerusalem, 1990-1991

Conservatory Choir, Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem, 1984-1985

Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, 1980-1983

Professional Evaluations:

Jewish Bible Association, under the aegis of The Department of Education of The Jewish Agency, examiner of students on Prayer Liturgy and Biblical Cantillation, 2005-

Open University, academic course evaluator, 2015, 2017