Adon Olam charity single gets the Royal treatment

The United Synagogue today launches a brand-new adaptation of Adon Olam as part of the Jewish community’s celebrations in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Recorded by the United Synagogue Schools Coronation Choir, it is composed by Stephen Levey and arranged by The Portnoy Brothers.

Leading independent music distributor Wienerworld worked in partnership with the United Synagogue to invite 200 primary school children from five Jewish schools, (Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, Immanuel College Preparatory School, Immanuel College Senior School, Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School, Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School and Sinai Primary School), to learn the song and come together to record the new composition.

‘Adon Olam’ is being released as a single on all streaming and download platforms together with a video on all social media channels, with proceeds going to charity.

A musician ensemble based in the Ukraine participated in the production by providing all the strings and orchestration.

‘Adon Olam’ – which translated means ‘Lord of the Universe’ – is a hymn that has been part of the Jewish daily and Shabbat liturgy since the 15th century. It speaks of God in both cosmic terms and as a personal presence in our lives.

Jo Grose, the United Synagogue’s Chief Executive, said: “While the world has changed dramatically since we were founded in 1870, two constants throughout our 153-year history have been the recital every week in our shuls of the prayer for the Royal Family and ending our services with Adon Olam.

“The United Synagogue is delighted therefore to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with this new version of Adon Olam thanks to Wienerworld. Adon Olam is often sung by the young members of our community so we’re particularly pleased to have brought together some 200 children from across our Jewish schools to perform with the Portnoy Brothers.

“We hope you’ll enjoy singing it during the Coronation Shabbat and beyond!”

Anthony Broza, CEO of Wienerworld, said: “King Charles III has always been a stalwart personal friend to the Jewish community. We hope that this new recording of ‘Adon Olam’ will act as further recognition of the community’s affection for the Royal Family and our gratitude that Jews can observe their customs and traditions safely and openly in the UK.”

The track is being released digitally across all major platforms. Watch it now via www.theus.org.uk/song.