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Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray

Spirited and Soulful

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Books

Cantor Debbie’s books are available for purchase:

Jewish Huck Embroidery

Katchko Songbook by Cantor Deborah

3 Generations of Cantorial Art

3 Generations of Cantorial Art with CD

Book Reviews

Jewish Ledger Review of Katchko Three Generations of Cantorial Art

“Connecticut Cantor Continues to Blaze New Trails”
Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 12:57 PM EDT

By Cindy Mindell

RIDGEFIELD – There are a lot of numbers associated with Deborah Katchko-Gray. She is a fourth-generation cantor, the second woman to become a cantor in the Conservative movement, and the first woman cantor at Congregation Beth El in Norwalk. She established the Women Cantors’ Network in 1982, an international organization that now counts 300 members.

This month, Katchko-Gray will log several new firsts among her achievements. The cantor at Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield, she has just published “Katchko: Three Generations of Cantorial Art,” a songbook and CD that bring together three generations of cantors in her family. And for the first time, Shearith Israel will host the Women Cantors’ Network annual conference, which features many events that are open to the community.

A Stamford native, Katchko-Gray is the daughter of Cantor Theodore Katchko, z”l, who served in Meriden and New Britain, and the granddaughter of renowned cantor Adolph [Aaron] Katchko, z”l, who served at Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City, and wrote the seminal collection of cantorial chanting, “Thesaurus of Cantorial Liturgy” (1952).

“I am very excited about this project, which brings together three generations of cantors: my grandfather, a renowned composer, cantor, teacher, and scholar; my father, a wonderful cantor; and me, a guitar-playing cantor who grew up to love this music,” says Katchko-Gray. In addition to her grandfather’s cantorial compositions, the songbook includes family photos, memorabilia, and several lectures and speeches by Adolph Katchko on Jewish music, hazzanut, and cantorial training and life.

The project represents two firsts, Katchko-Gray says. “It addresses a need for modern cantors to use guitar in a new way with traditional music, something never done before in a classical cantorial tradition. It is also the first female-friendly cantorial book, written in keys that women cantors will be comfortable with.”

The CD includes a recording that demonstrates how a woman cantor can sound like a hazzan – “a real cantor,” Katchko-Gray says, “without sacrificing her feminine side.” The CD also features several tracks with all three generations of cantors singing together, thanks to the miracle of the recording studio.

Katchko-Gray credits Shearith Israel’s rabbi emeritus, Jon Haddon, who encouraged her to experiment with acoustic guitar and hazzanut. The project also brought up fond memories of her father, Theodore Katchko, who died in 1997. “When I was growing up, he would sit with a tape-recorder, the siddur open, a yarmulke on his head, and start singing,” she recalls. “It was totally magical to me that he could bring to life this music in such a moving way.”

“Cantor Debbie” is renowned in her own right. A teaching artist for national organizations including Hadassah, UJC Speakers Bureau, CAJE, Chautauqua Institution, and the Wexner Heritage Foundation, Elie Wiesel said of her, “Both perceptive and sensitive, Debbie is well equipped to translate Jewish experience in song and prayer. This she will do with grace and passion. Listen to her. Debbie will enable you to hear and feel the exquisite yet melancholy beauty of Jewish melodies that must never be forgotten.”


DEAR FRIENDS,

IT IS MORE THEN WORTH WHILE FOR EVERY ONE WHO STILL LOVES SOME MEASURE OF HAZZANUTH TO LOOK INTO DEBBIE KATCHKO RECENT PUBLICATION OF HER BELOVED GRANDFATHER,AND OUR MENTOR HAZZAN ADOLPH KATCHKO.

I AM REALLY SO IMPRESSED WITH THE BOOK AND HAVE NOT PUT IT DOWN YET. THERE IS SO MUCH THERE AND ONE CAN GET TO KNOW THIS MASTER LIKE NEVER BEFORE. I MYSELF CAME TO HEBREW UNION COLLEGE SCHOOL OF SACRED MUSIC AFTER HIS TIME AND FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS MANUSCRIPTS AND BOOKS WHICH WERE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR DISCIPLINE THE “ART OF NUSSACH HAT’FILAH” I MASTERED THEM WITH GREAT LOVE. DEBBIE DID GREAT HONOR TO HIS NAME. I MYSELF KNOW HOW MUCH WORK PASSION AND EFFORT WENT INTO MAKING IN HAPPEN.
KOL HAKAVOD AND YISHAR KOACH TO DEBBIE

SHABBAT SHALOM

CANTOR BENY MAISSNER
Holy Blossom Temple
Toronto, Ontario


“We are all indebted to Deborah Katchko Gray for this new publication which will preserve her grandfather’s music, complete with modern innovations, for generations to come to grateful practitioners of the art of HAZZANUT.”

Hazzan Jacob Ben Zion Mendelson


 

Kol Nidre Duet with her father Cantor Theodore Katchko
Accompanied by her mother Rita Katchko on organ.

https://cantordebbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Kol_Nidre_Duet_TK-DKG.mp3

 

Adonai Malach with Cantor Theodore Katchko and Cantor Deborah Katchko duet and guitar remastered with guitar added.

Three generations of high cantorial prowess are featured on this recording, from great cantorial composer Adolph to contemporary legend Deborah. Recordings of Katchko classics are featured in a variety styles and arrangements, all with astounding results.

Oy Songs

https://cantordebbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/AdMalach.mp3

 

Whether it be a sheet of music or a piece of cloth, whatever CantorDeborah Katchko-Gray touches turns into a work of art and beauty. In addition to her considerable talents as a cantor and teacher, Cantor Debbie is a gifted embroiderer. Over the years she has worked with literally dozens of bar jbat mitzvah parents and has created some of the most beautiful tallesim our entire community has ever known. Like Deborah, her works are colorful, beautiful, dignified and inspiring. I have seen the looks of gratitude and accomplishment upon the faces of our children and their parents, and this remains one of the most wonderful mitzvot and accomplishments of our entire bar jbat mitzvah cultural program.

Rabbi Jon Haddon
Rabbi Emeritus
Temple Shearith Israel
Ridgefield, CT 06877

 

Recipient of the first Debbie Friedman Miriam Award

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Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray
Congregation Shir Shalom
46 Peaceable Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
203-438-5609 (study)
203-482-1726 (cell)

Testimonials

Thank-you again for a wonderful concert- Inspiring, beautiful and fun!
Alan Feld
I am almost without words to say how much I enjoyed your concert at Beth El on Saturday night. You are so multi-talented and you have a beautiful radiant quality that truly glows and really touched me. I was impressed with your story telling and also with the way you shared your personal experiences and your family with us. I hope I have the opportunity to see you and hear you again! WOW-thank you !
Susan Pomerantz

Thank YOU Cantor Debbie!

You were a tremendous part of the event. Your guitar was very exciting and your song selections so uplifting. The moms loved your performance…It was a truly fun and inspiring time with you in the Sukkah.

Tracy Daniels
Director Women’s Philanthropy / Program Manager, PJ Library / UJA Greenwich, CT
If a teacher had but one student- you- it would be Dayenu!……your songs bring joy to my heart!
Elie Wiesel
Finding Family Through Song”- A Story – The presentation given by Cantor Katchko-Gray of Temple Shearith Israel of Ridgefield, CT on Thursday October 29th, 2009 was a remarkable presentation. This was an inspiring and moving story of music, faith and family beautifully told. We think it was definately one of the very best programs that the Mary Brewster Fund has offered!
Zayne McFarlane

Our Wedding Ceremony was PERFECT!

Derek and I want to thank you! The wedding ceremony was perfect! We got so many compliments on the ceremony! They loved the songs you sang, the Jewish traditions and how it was personalized for Derek and I.

Thank you so much for everything! We really appreciate everything you have done for us leading up to as well as on the wedding day.

Jessica (Moll) and Derek Sanderoff
One of our most successful Scholar – In – Residence programs ever ! She brings an accomplished voice, and a lively spirit that will fill your synagogue with music and joy. Cantor Debbie led Friday night and Shabbat morning services and a sing-along program for children and adults on Sunday morning. Her music, voice and personality enchanted all of our members.
Rabbi Martin I. Sandberg
If your tastes run to such classics as Yerushalayim Shel Zahav and you enjoy everything from Sephardic to Yiddish to contemporary pop, Katchko’s soprano renditions and acoustic rhythms are the perfect musical menu for you. Her inspiring version of , ” The Place Where I Belong” will have you singing along.
Hadassah Magazine

Hazzan Deborah Katchko-Gray supported by flutist Mattan Klein and Seeds of Sun…just rocked the house and blew the roof off of Beth Judah for almost two hours. A mix between Mid-East, Israeli, Jewish pop, cantorial, Yiddish and kid-family friendly favorites..add to that a rather hot Israeli jazz trio and you have an explosive, energetic reaction. Everyone was clicking on all cylinders and the crowd ate it up.

Debbie is the real deal and can deliver it all. She has a powerful and sweet voice that works well in various styles and involved us locals nicely.

Hazzan Alan Smolen
Katchko-Gray can reproduce “ that old sound” by calling on melodies she received personally in true oral tradition.
Scales Out of Shul May 2007

Your Wonderful CDs

I received the CDs yesterday. They are both great! Your voice is fantastic and the kids sound delightful. I also really enjoyed the instrumental arrangements. You did a marvelous job of singing, The First Candle We Light On Hanuukah. The flute was really cool. I loved it. And the instrumetnal version of Shabbat Means with the saxophone was inspired.

Thank you so much for recording these songs and for sending me the CDs. Good luck with the sales!

Regarding Shabbat Jam and Hanukkah Songs of Light and Hope
Larry S. Kaplan ( ASCAP)
Connecticut based Cantor Deborah Katchko has wide appeal. With a strong and soulful voice, she covers a broad range of songs in several languages, exposing us to Jewish culture from various times and places.
Boston University Alumni Magazine
We are all indebted to Deborah Katchko Gray for this new publication which will preserve her grandfather’s music, complete with modern innovations, for generations to come to grateful practitioners of the art of HAZZANUT.
Hazzan Jacob Ben Zion Mendelson
I’ve listened to a lot of traditional Jewish holiday song recordings and most, for one reason or another should not have been made. But, this one is significantly different. First, Deborah Katchko has a warm, rich voice. Second, she sings honestly. What do I mean? There are no tricks to this recording, just Deborah and her guitar and she’s making music. Third, she includes 25 ethnic songs full of information and history. This is a Hanukkah gift for the entire family.
Washington Parent
Impressively eclectic, Deborah Katchko – another pioneer female cantor puts a refreshing, colorful spin on quintessentially Jewish songs and stories. Drawing upon Middle East rock, Country Western and traditional and contemporary Jewish melodies, Katchko’s powerful voice can sound both sensual and spiritual.
Hadassah Magazine
Just this morning, we were privileged to have our colleague, Deborah Katchko-Gray, as our guest artist/scholar at my temple in Amenia, New York. In addition to her co-officiation with me at the worship service, she presented the program, “Gems of my Grandfather: Music, Ideas, and Visions of Cantor Adolph Katchko,.” as part of our adult education. Although almost all of us have been deeply influenced by the music of Adolph Katchko, Deborah added a dimension of insight, examples I have never heard before, and even a duet of “Adonai Malach” which was truly inspiring. I would wholeheartedly urge you to consider Deborah as a scholar-in-residence or a guest lecturer. The congregation could not have been more moved or appreciative of this excellent program.
Rabbi/Cantor Jon Haddon
This edition marks one of the most innovative, important, and creative blending of guitar and Jewish music. It surely will not take away from those Cantors who wish to chant either capella, or with piano or organ, but for those Cantors skilled in playing guitar, this will be a loving and long lasting companion which, I am sure, will touch the hears and souls of the next generation of Jews to hear this incredible music.
Rabbi/Cantor Jon Haddon
Your American Jewish Songbook selections were a perfect blend of English, Yiddish and Hebrew-appreciated by all. Your stage presence and hamische introductions of hte band and the songs added and extra measure of charm to the beauty of your voice and the wonderful sounds of your group. Your lead guitarist David, and the pianist were particularly outstanding……we were all blown away by the warmth and family feeling you created on our stage/bimah.!!
Steve Stein, MD
I find you to be a first-rate hazzan and a consummate artist…your cds are a shining example of what we should aim to emulate.
Cantor Pinchas Spiro (of blessed memory)

Cantor-in-Residence – Wonderful Musical Weekend!

We were fortunate to have Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray at Temple B’nai Abraham as our Cantor-In-Residence for a wonderful musical weekend. Debbie led some of our services, had us singing new songs and melodies, and taught some wonderful holiday song parodies to our students, who then performed them for us at a Sunday Brunch. Oh…and we learned about her Cantorial heritage and heard some real Gems of her Grandfather’s Music. It was a homecoming of sorts as years ago, she became a Bat Mitzvah at our synagogue and her father had been one of our Cantors. Debbie connected with our members, young and old, and two of our students even asked after her Friday evening service if we could do this every month.

Rabbi Michael G. Kohn
Temple B’nai Abraham / Meriden, CT
In telling her story of living history and astonishing discovery, Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray brings to life the love and faithfulness of holocaust survivors and the generations who remember them. People of faith will be embraced by Cantor Debbie’s generous spirit, learn first hand about the important of remembrance and rekindle their hope for a peaceful world.
Reverend Marc Delcuze
Nurturing our family’s Jewish identity is an art, rather than a science. Fortunately people like Deborah Katchko can help. Her three cds offer a rich array of traditional and contemporary Jewish music suffused with her warm and welcoming spirit.
Jewish Woman Magazine
Deborah Katchko is such a wonderful gift to our festival!
Berna Hayden
National Children’s Choir Director

Best Day Ever!

Thank-you for being such a special part of our wedding weekend!

Your music and spirit helped make it truly the best day…ever!

Ari and Darren Leva

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