Bashana Haba ‘ah

St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In a heartfelt moment during their holiday concert “Slay Bells”, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay offered a stirring performance of “Bashana Haba’ah”, composed by Nurit Hirsh with lyrics by Ehud Manor and arranged for choir by John Leavitt. The song—an Israeli classic filled with longing, optimism, and gentle beauty—was a poignant departure from the glitter and energy of the evening’s more playful numbers, drawing the audience into a moment of quiet reflection.

Performed at Allendale United Methodist Church, the concert’s setting added warmth and intimacy to the already emotionally resonant piece. Leavitt’s choral arrangement gave the Hebrew song a lush, serene texture, weaving tender harmonies that swelled with restrained grace. The singers embraced the arrangement’s gentle ebb and flow, their voices unified in tone and intent, allowing the song’s message of hope for the year to come to shine clearly.

With its lyrics looking forward to a better future—“Next year we will sit on the porch and count migrating birds”—the performance took on a deeper meaning amid global unrest and local uncertainties. The chorus delivered it not just as a song, but as a wish, a collective prayer sung in beautiful unison. The Hebrew text, pronounced with care and reverence, underscored the ensemble’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and musical integrity.

This tender performance reminded the audience that the holidays are not only about festivity and celebration, but also about reflection, memory, and the promise of renewal. For many in the audience, the piece served as a quiet emotional anchor in a night otherwise filled with cheerful carols and joyful spectacle.

In a concert titled “Slay Bells”, where camp and choral artistry walked hand-in-hand, “Bashana Haba’ah” was a powerful reminder of the emotional depth that the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brings to its programming. Their interpretation was both moving and sincere—an offering of peace and hope in harmony.