1932
Raphael
2014
Raphael "Ray" Edgar
May 28, 1932 — September 12, 2014
Raphael (Ray) Edgar
82, passed away September 12, 2014. He was born in Des Moines, IA on May 28, 1932. From his father, Cantor Aaron I. Edgar, he absorbed a lifelong love of operatic singing and Jewish music. From his mother, Ann Ziff Edgar, he learned the values of family solidarity and loyalty. These would be the pillars of his long and fulfilling life. He loved the human voice, especially in its highest forms: operatic arias and ensembles, and Cantorial chants of the highest caliber.
He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating from Omaha Central High School in 1949. He continued his education in Chicago, IL, at Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music, specializing in vocal performance. He went on to graduate studies at the Cantor's Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he received a Master's of Sacred Music and a diploma of Hazzan (Cantor). He was also the recipient of a Master's degree in Linguistics from American University in Washington, D.C.
He began his professional career in Washington, D.C. as Cantor and Musical Director of Adas Israel Congregation, where he served until 1972. This was followed by Cantorial positions in Buffalo, NY, Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, IN. This last post at Congregation Beth El Zedeck, was by far his favorite.
As a baritone soloist, he performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the National Symphony, the Jerusalem Symphony, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony String Quartet in works by Purcell, Mascagni, Barber, and Berlinski. He also taught voice privately, and at Roosevelt University, his alma mater.
After nearly 50 years as a Cantor, he retired to Santa Fe, NM in 1998, with his late wife Joyce Stegman Edgar, a mezzo soprano. They were often heard singing duets at Vanessies, a local piano bar specializing in show tunes. He volunteered with the Santa Fe Opera, the International Folk Art Museum, Literary Volunteers, and Temple Beth Shalom.
He is survived by his beloved children: Barry Edgar (Lake Villa, IL), Orna Edgar (Redmond, WA), and Daphna Edgar (Medford, MA); a sister Laya Frischer of Evanston, IL; and four grandchildren David, Aaron, and Crystal Edgar, and Tahlia Edgar-Chalker.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Beth El Zedeck Congregation, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Jewish World Service.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, 600 West 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260,at 12pm on Thursday, September 18, 2014. The burial will follow in Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery.
82, passed away September 12, 2014. He was born in Des Moines, IA on May 28, 1932. From his father, Cantor Aaron I. Edgar, he absorbed a lifelong love of operatic singing and Jewish music. From his mother, Ann Ziff Edgar, he learned the values of family solidarity and loyalty. These would be the pillars of his long and fulfilling life. He loved the human voice, especially in its highest forms: operatic arias and ensembles, and Cantorial chants of the highest caliber.
He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating from Omaha Central High School in 1949. He continued his education in Chicago, IL, at Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music, specializing in vocal performance. He went on to graduate studies at the Cantor's Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he received a Master's of Sacred Music and a diploma of Hazzan (Cantor). He was also the recipient of a Master's degree in Linguistics from American University in Washington, D.C.
He began his professional career in Washington, D.C. as Cantor and Musical Director of Adas Israel Congregation, where he served until 1972. This was followed by Cantorial positions in Buffalo, NY, Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, IN. This last post at Congregation Beth El Zedeck, was by far his favorite.
As a baritone soloist, he performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the National Symphony, the Jerusalem Symphony, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony String Quartet in works by Purcell, Mascagni, Barber, and Berlinski. He also taught voice privately, and at Roosevelt University, his alma mater.
After nearly 50 years as a Cantor, he retired to Santa Fe, NM in 1998, with his late wife Joyce Stegman Edgar, a mezzo soprano. They were often heard singing duets at Vanessies, a local piano bar specializing in show tunes. He volunteered with the Santa Fe Opera, the International Folk Art Museum, Literary Volunteers, and Temple Beth Shalom.
He is survived by his beloved children: Barry Edgar (Lake Villa, IL), Orna Edgar (Redmond, WA), and Daphna Edgar (Medford, MA); a sister Laya Frischer of Evanston, IL; and four grandchildren David, Aaron, and Crystal Edgar, and Tahlia Edgar-Chalker.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Beth El Zedeck Congregation, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Jewish World Service.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, 600 West 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260,at 12pm on Thursday, September 18, 2014. The burial will follow in Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery.
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