MH
The basics
Quick facts
Intro
Jewish Polish-American Composer
Gender:
Male
Places:
Work field:
Birth:
1901(Radzyny, Gmina Kaźmierz, Szamotuły County, Poland)
Death:
9 August 1963
The details
Biography
Introduction
Max Helfman (1901-1963) was a Polish-American Jewish composer, choral conductor, and educator. He is most notable for directing the Brandeis-Bardin Institute for seventeen years. He was also well known for socialist and pro-Zionist causes and affiliations.
Early life
Helfman was born to Radzyń Podlaski, where his father taught and led a choir. The family moved to New York's Lower East Side in 1909.
Career
Helfman directed or led the following choirs:
- Temple Israel in New York City (1928), succeeded Zavel Zilberts
- Park Avenue Synagogue (Cantor, 1928-1940)
- Curtis Institute of Music 1929-1932, Fellowship
- Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus (1937-1940) affiliated with Jewish Workers Musical Alliance
- Brandeis Camp, Winterdale Pennsylvania (1947-1951)
- Brandeis Arts Institute (1947-1952)
- College of Jewish Studies in Los Angeles (Director, Department of Sacred Music, 1954-1957)
- University of Judaism in Los Angeles (Dean of College of Fine Arts, 1958-?)