Jack Gottlieb

Jack Gottlieb, a native of New Rochelle, New York, received his BA from Queens College, a MFA from Brandeis University, and a DMA from the University of Illinois. Synagogue composer Max Helfman, his first mentor, was the one to inspire him to write sacred music. Dr. Gottlieb also studied with Aaron Copland and Boris Blacher at the Berkshire Music Center. From 1958 to 1966 he was Leonard Bernstein’s assistant at the New York Philharmonic. From 1973 until 1977 he was the first full-time professor of music at the School of Sacred Music, Hebrew Union College. In 1977 he joined the Leonard Bernstein Office, Inc., as publications director, and currently serves as consultant for the Bernstein estate. Among artists who have performed his works are Bernstein, members of the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; singers Jennie Tourel, Adele Addison, Lee Venora, and John Reardon; and actresses Tovah Feldshuh and Felicia Montealegre. Dr. Gottlieb is past president of the American Society for Jewish Music and has received numerous awards for both his sacred and secular music. His book, Funny, It Doesn’t Sound Jewish: How Yiddish Songs and Synagogue Melodies Influenced Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and Hollywood continues to receive rave reviews nationwide. His most recent completed work is The Listener’s Guide to Old-Time Movies, An Opera in Nine Scenes for Six Singers. Recent publications include Songs of Godlove, a two-volume set of 51 solos and duets and CD releases Love Songs for Sabbath and Monkey Biz’nis, A Musical Diversion in One Act. For more information, visit jackgottlieb.com.

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