Dudu Fisher to Headline Community Performing Arts' 2015 Concert Season

A soldier, turned cantor, then turned Broadway lead in Les Miserables? Yes! Dudu Fisher joins Community Performing Arts (CPA) for its 2015 concert series! The Israeli-born performer, with a diverse musical resume, comes to CPA stages this season in a newly-produced concert, featuring his amazing voice accompanied by a very talented ensemble of instrumentalists.

Fisher took a very unusual path to Broadway. At the age of only 22, after three years of service in the Israel Defense Forces, he was invited to become the cantor of the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv. In addition to his cantorial duties in Tel Aviv, Fisher also traveled the world, exposing new audiences to Hasidic, Yiddish, and cantorial music. On one such trip in 1986, he happened to see a live performance of Les Miserables. Although Fisher had no theater experience whatsoever, when he heard that a Hebrew production of Les Miserables was in the works, he knew that he must audition. He landed the role of Jean Valjean, and was quickly catapulted to stardom. Not only was he a hit in the Israeli production, but after participating in a command performance hosted by the Queen of England in 1988, he was asked by the show's producer to play the Jean Valjean role on Broadway and London's west end.

In addition to his extensive theatrical career, Fisher has also recorded more than twenty albums, performed with orchestras around the world, appeared on numerous television shows and even played the role of Moses in the Hebrew version of Steven Spielberg's film "The Prince of Egypt". Of course, through all of these engagements, Fisher never performs on the Sabbath, a practice to which the title of his first off-Broadway, one-man show - "Never on Friday" alludes.

Additional performers this year include Juilliard violinist Hahnsol Kim, legendary producer/composer Neil Berg, audience favorite Dallas Brass with vocal guest Kol Esperanza (direct from Israel), and Tony- and Grammy-nominated singer Michael Cavanaugh.

Hahnsol Kim, a Korean-born violinist and Juilliard student was voted "top performer" by audience and expert panelists in the DreamArts Competition, hosted by CPA aboard its 2013 Caribbean Cruise. Kim returns to CPA this season, performing along with the Symphony of the Americas, conducted by Maestro James Brooks-Bruzesse. Narrator Harvey Widell will add to this unique production by offering live concert notes and commentary, creating a beautifully engaging and educational evening of live classical music. Individual tickets for Hahnsol Kim are $41, plus tax and $2 service charge.

Composer/Producer Neil Berg brings another wonderful cast of singers straight from the stages of the Great White Way. These stars will perform hits from their own Broadway roles, as well as other great songs from the Broadway songbook, accompanied by Berg and his fabulous ensemble. This production is currently the number-one touring Broadway concert in the United States, and for good reason. Individual tickets for Neil Berg's performances are $41, plus tax and $2 service charge.

The Dallas Brass returns to CPA's stages this season with their diverse repertoire, including percussionist accompaniment. These virtuoso musicians play a wide variety of styles, including popular, swing, Dixieland, classical, Hollywood, Broadway, and patriotic. CPA works closely with Dallas Brass' musical director Michael Levine to tailor the Dallas Brass fresh and exciting repertoire specifically to CPA audiences. Adding to the excitement, Dallas Brass is joined this year by Kol Esperanza, making its U.S. debut. Kol Esperanza is a vibrant trio of Israeli tenors, produced through a collaboration between CPA and world-class composer and music director Tomer Adaddi. Individual tickets for Dallas Brass with Kol Esperanza are $41, plus tax and $2 service charge.

Tony and Grammy-nominated singer Michael Cavanaugh rounds out the season with the help of a full orchestra. Cavanaugh was named "Corporate Entertainer of the Year" by Reuters. The New York Times calls this multi-talented musician "Amazing". The Chicago Sun Times says he's "Phenomenal", and Variety describes him as "Brilliant". Cavanaugh was hand-picked by Billy Joel to star in Joel's hit Broadway musical "Movin' Out".

Mr. Cavanaugh's "Singers and Songwriters" concert will feature his five-piece band, along with a full orchestra and the music of Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Neil Diamond, and others. Tickets for Michael Cavanaugh are on sale now for $46, plus tax.

Community Performing Arts (CPA) exceeds expectations each season with the superior musical performances it brings to South Florida. Please see www.SpanishRiverConcerts.com, or call 561-536-4697 for listings and ticket ordering information for CPA's upcoming 2015 season.

Patrons can save by purchasing the series!

Series tickets (all concerts described above, exclusive of Michael Cavanaugh, which is sold separately) are on sale now for $149, plus tax and $5 service charge. Michael Cavanaugh tickets are also available now for $46, plus tax. Individual concerts from the series are priced as listed above, and will go on sale December 1, 2014. Please note: some dates have limited availability. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1.800.716.6975 or by visiting CPA's website at www.SpanishRiverConcerts.com.

All concerts will take place at either Spanish River Church, at 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, 33431, or Kings Point Theatre, 7000 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, 33446. (See schedule below for dates, times, and locations).?

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