K ol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble was formed on April 22, 1992 on the Westside of Los Angeles. Though initially it was a sing-along group, it has been gradually transformed into a Choir of professional quality. This occurred when at the end of 2007; the Choir came under the direction of the consummate musician and vocalist Erica Tannen who is also its conductor.

F rom the outset, the goal of Kol Sephardic Choir was to disseminate the culture of the Sephardic Jews that originated in Spain prior to the expulsion in 1492 and later in the Balkan countries, such as Greece, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria and other countries such as Turkey, North Africa, and in Israel. Kol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble is an unaffiliated musical group. It is the only Sephardic Choir in California and in the United States that sings primarily Sephardic Romanceros in Ladino and Liturgical/Religious songs in Hebrew with Sephardic Melodies.

T hroughout the years of its existence, the Kol Sephardic Choir performed in Synagogues and in Jewish Community Center events throughout the Los Angeles area. The Choir also performed in numerous Los Angeles Public Libraries and other locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Among these places the Choir performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in the Music Festival Program sponsored by the Los Angeles County during the Hanukkah/Christmas Holidays season.

R aphael Ortasse is the Director and Founder of Kol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble. Erica Tannen is the Music Director and Conductor. Daud Perez has been our primary music arranger of the songs we sing; however, lately additional music arrangers joined the group. Inna Royter is our pianist and part of the musical ensemble.

D uring the past year, the members of the Kol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble took time off from performances and concentrated their rehearsals towards the first recording of a CD of Ladino songs. The CD will be available for distribution in the stores and other venues very shortly. We look forward to the recording our next CD, which will consist of Liturgical/Religious songs in Hebrew.

K ol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble is now ready to perform and we look forward to presenting the Choir to the Los Angeles and Orange communities. We also look forward to spreading the Sephardic culture and message of inspiration throughout the country and abroad.

T he mere birth and existence of Kol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble here in Los Angeles is a key asset to our community. Not only does it allow its members to express the Sephardic Culture and tradition in songs, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity and talents of our group of singers.

F or further information and to invite the Choir and Ensemble to perform and to sponsor an event in your community, please contact Raphael Ortasse, Director of Kol Sephardic Choir and Ensemble
at (310) 557-1096 or (323) 314-2236.