On Feb. 15, the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University will come alive with traditional mariachi boleros, flamenco music, sounds from Argentina and dancing. The room won’t have one native tongue, but many. The songs will be performed in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Spanish.
Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, from the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue, is one of the proud producers of the event, and hopes it will bring together people from different backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish. “This will appeal to everyone,” Gindlin said.
Gindlin talked about the performance with infectious zest. “We’re trying to bring the passion of music and the excitement of being alive,” he said. “It will truly be a celebration.”
Working tirelessly to help produce the show, Gindlin said, “I can’t sleep until it’s over. We’re introducing new beats and new rhythms. It’s very ambitious.”
The show is an outlet for Gindlin to sing and dance what he doesn’t get a chance to do in the synagogue, like boleros. Boleros are ballads adapted from popular songs in the ’40s, and are characterized by more complicated and highly stylized harmonic and vocal accompaniments, and trio-styled ensembles.
Gindlin is not a stranger to new roads. In 2000, Gindlin moved from Argentina to Malibu to work as a cantor at the Malibu Jewish Center. He thanks technology for this match.
“We found each other on the Internet,” he said. “It was meant to be.”
He came to Malibu with a strong background in music and Jewish studies. In Argentina, Gindlin received two degrees in music therapy from the Universidad de Salvadore, and earned his cantorial degree at the Latin American Rabbinnical Seminary in Buenos Aires and studied at the Colon Opera House. He has toured the United States and has recorded a CD.
He speaks of his newfound community of Malibu with vigor.
“I’m so proud to be part of this blossoming community,” he said.
At the Feb. 15 concert, Gindlin will perform with cantors Ruti Braier from the University Synagogue in Irvine, Pablo Duek from the Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, his sister, Mariana Gindlin, and cantorial soloist Lorna Lembeck.
“We have a lot of talent in our community,” Gindlin said.
Funds from the show will go toward music programs at the synagogue. Gindlin hopes he’ll be able to put on a show like this one every year.
“There’s always a good excuse to celebrate,” Gindlin said.
“An Evening with Cantor Marcello Ginlin and Friends” performs at 7 p.m. at the Smothers Theatre, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway. General Admission tickets are $55. More information can be obtained by calling 310.506.217 or 310.506.4522.