"If you appreciate the singing voice and style of Andrea Bocelli, you will be absolutely mesmerized and triply-entertained by the sound of Kol Esperanza," says Rabbi Moshe Bryski, as he encourages folks to "Google" the group for a taste of what's in store for those who will get to see them perform live at Chabad of the Conejo's upcoming Gala.
The operatic pop trio, newly formed in 2014 and directed by award-winning pianist, composer, arranger and producer, Tomer Adaddi - who has, in fact, worked and collaborated with Bocelli - will be making their west coast debut with their June 11th performance at the Four Seasons Westlake Hotel.
Born in Israel, Nimrod [Grinboim], Nadav [Inbar] and Omer [Shaish] have excelled in the world's finest musical academies and institutes, and have performed on some of the grandest stages throughout the world, including New York, China, the UK, Germany and Canada. They have also been featured in popular TV and stage productions, such as Dancing with the Stars, Sweeny Todd, Hooray for Hollywood and Spirit of Broadway.
While each of the tenors of Kol Esperanza (a fusion of Hebrew and Spanish which means "Voice of Hope") will have a chance to demonstrate his distinctive vocal skills during their respective solos, the group's combined sound has been described by audiences as "exhilarating" and "otherworldy."
"Kol Esperanza is definitely the most exciting project I've ever been a part of," says Omer Shaish, who is also a professional dancer. "It gives me an opportunity to be myself - as a singer, as a performer, and as an Israeli. It puts together all the elements that make me feel complete on stage and brings me to a moving, thrilling performance."
Nimrod Grinboim, a soloist at the Israeli Opera who has sung with all of Israel's leading orchestras, including the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, is likewise enthused by the musical diversity afforded by Kol Esperanza. "It is wonderful to share the stage with amazing vocalists and to sing such a moving repertoire - from Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' to Sinatra's 'My way.'"
The song-set planned for the Chabad of the Conejo Gala will reflect that very diversity with selections of Israeli favorites, Jewish classics, Broadway showstoppers, opera crossovers and pop hits. The program's high point is expected to be the trio's musical celebration of Jerusalem in connection to the 50th Anniversary of the Israel's Six-Day War.
"Besides their great voices and astounding performances, these guys have special personalities," says producer Tomer Adaddi, who will be accompanying the trio on the piano during their upcoming performance for Chabad. In addition to Andrea Bocelli, Adaddi has worked with international stars such as Mercedes Sossa, Elliott Yamin, Dave Koz, Michael Buble and others.
"If I had to describe what I anticipate the Gala's concert portion will be," says Rabbi Bryski, "I'd sum it up this way: moving, lively, exciting, uplifting...powerful!"
