Cal State East Bay to Host Composer, Pianist Menachem Wiesenberg

This fall, Cal State East Bay’s Department of Music will be hosting award-winning Israeli composer, pianist, arranger and educator Menachem Wiesenberg for a short residency.

With support from the university’s Enhanced Instructionally Related Activities program, Wiesenberg will be working with CSUEB music students from mid-October through November.

A recital of his works will be held Nov. 2 at noon and will include the East Bay Singers directed by Dr. Buddy James; a piano solo piece performed by Assistant Professor Omri Shimron; a set of Israeli song arrangements for voice and piano with guest soprano Revital Shmerling; and "Like Clay in the Potter's Hand," a work for viola and piano with the principal violist from the SF Opera. In addition, a video projection of a dance work called “Voices,”  choreographed by Wiesenberg’s wife for his viola work "Monodialogue" will be screened.

“I think Menachem Wiesenberg is a wonderful role model for CSUEB students in a number of ways,” Shimron said. “He leads a rich, varied, and successful life as a musician -- pianist, arranger, composer, educator, music administrator -- one that many CSUEB student would aspire to and look up to.”

As part of the residency, Wiesenberg will coach the East Bay Singers in rehearsal, conduct a master class with CSUEB composition students, and coach the musicians participating in the Nov. 2 recital through open rehearsals.

According to Shimron, one of the most appealing aspects of Wiesenberg’s creativity is his versatility.

“He bridges multiple styles [such as] classical and popular, and multiple cultures and identities [such as] Jewish, Arab and Middle Eastern,” Shimron said. “CSUEB students tend to be interested in many styles of music and come from different cultures. Not only has Menachem excelled in Western musics of many styles, but he's also composed works that synthesize Jewish/European music with music of the Arab world.”

More information about Wiesenberg is available on his website, YouTube channel and Facebook page.