Cantor Aron Hayoun will soon begin offering classes to men and women who are interested in learning the skills of a cantor.
Cantor Hayoun came to Overland Park to begin his position as cantor of Kehilath Israel Synagogue in April of this year. He is extremely passionate about his role.
According to the website careersinmusic.com, the word “cantor” is from the Latin word cantare (to sing), but the Hebrew word chazzan, as it was traditionally called, comes from a word meaning “to have vision.” Cantor Hayoun sees the cantor’s role as encompassing both singing and providing the inspirational vision for the people praying in the synagogue. He stresses the importance of tefillah for individuals and in Judaism as a whole.
Cantors must understand what they are reading and have technical skills. Cantor Hayoun’s class will emphasize both.
Classes will work on the technical aspects of singing, reading and using sheet music, and leading a choir. He plans to have a piano accompanist in the classes. He will also have a rabbi attend some of the classes to teach the halachot (laws) of prayer.
Before coming to K.I., Cantor Hayoun was the chief cantor at La Grande Synagogue de la Victoire in Paris, France. Previously, he served as cantor at Beth Emeth Congregation in Toronto, Canada; chief cantor of The Grand Synagogue of Metz in Metz, France; and chief cantor of The Synagogue of Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany. He studied at the Cantorial School of the Grand Synagogue of Jerusalem.
Along with his career as a cantor, he has performed in more than 50 cantorial concerts, taught Talmud and Torah, and was a cantorial music instructor.
“The beauty of chazzanut is so strong, so rich, and we will learn how to do it,” Cantor Hayoun said. “This will be a very serious class.”
To learn more about the particulars of the class, times, and cost, contact Cantor Hayoun directly at or 913-642-1880 x208.
