Jewish Music Collective

CELEBRATING JEWISH SOUND, STORY, & SPIRIT

About Us

The Jewish Music Collective is a passionate group of musicians dedicated to celebrating the full range of Jewish musical expression. From classical to klezmer, jazz to Mizrahi, we bring together sounds from across time and place — all rooted in Jewish spirit and joy.

Founded in 2024, by composer, Alexander Malinas, and vocalist, Leora Gilgur, we curate concerts and experiences that connect, uplift, and inspire. Whether through public performances, private events, or cross-cultural collaborations, our mission is to share the power and beauty of Jewish music with everyone.

The Jewish Music Collective musicians performing together on stage

Who are the Founders?

Alexander Malinas

Alexander Malinas is a composer and multi‑instrumentalist—primarily at home at the piano, but proficiently skilled at flute, tambourine, and accordion—and co‑founder of the Jewish Music Collective. He made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Highsmith Orchestra Composition Competition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, standing out for his exceptional orchestral voice and imaginative approach. Passionate about blending tradition and innovation, Alexander curates immersive musical experiences that reflect the full vibrancy of Jewish musical expression.

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Leora Gilgur Kern

Leora Gilgur is a Bay Area–based classical and jazz vocalist and co‑founder of the Jewish Music Collective. Passionate about sharing the richness and emotional power of Jewish music, she brings performance, education, and community connection together in every moment. Leora maintains a successful private voice studio, leading a future generation of passionate singers. She graduated summa cum laude with her Master's Degree of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

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MISSION

The Jewish Music Collective celebrates the full spectrum of Jewish music through performance, education, and community connection. From classical and jazz to klezmer, Mizrahi, and modern Israeli, we curate joyful and soul-stirring experiences that reflect the richness of Jewish culture and creativity. We perform, teach, and collaborate to share music that moves people — across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs.

VISION

We envision a vibrant West Coast hub where Jewish music builds community, sparks curiosity, and brings people together in joy and meaning. Through year-round concerts, themed events, and partnerships, we aim to grow into a nonprofit that sustains and uplifts Jewish musical traditions. Our dream is to create a space where Jewish music is heard, felt, celebrated — and shared with everyone.

Listen to Us!

Jewish Music Collective April 2025 Concert

A Yiddishe Mame

Voice, Leora Gilgur · Tambourine, Alexander Malinas · Violin, Isabel Tannenbaum · Clarinet, Jason Wilcox · Piano, Leon Rosen · Bass, Alexandra Kelley

"Va dit elle" from Robert le Diable by Meyerbeer

Soprano, Rachel Schlesinger · Piano, Alla Gladysheva

Piano Sonata No. 4, Semplice, by Leo Ornstein

Piano, Alexander Malinas

From Jewish Life by Ernest Bloch

Violin, Isabel Tannenbaum · Piano, Alexander Malinas

A Mayse (Original Yiddish Song) by Alexander Malinas

A Mayse (Original Yiddish Song) by Alexander Malinas — performed at the Jewish Music Collective April 2025 concert.

Hebrew Melody by Joseph Achron

Hebrew Melody by Joseph Achron — performed at the Jewish Music Collective April 2025 concert.

Prelude and Scherzo by Max Marcus

Prelude and Scherzo by Max Marcus — performed at the Jewish Music Collective April 2025 concert.

Quartet in C by Sholom Secunda

Quartet in C by Sholom Secunda — performed at the Jewish Music Collective April 2025 concert.

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