High Holydays Musical Guests for 2024
Veronica Beskin
Veronica Beskin has been enriching communities with her powerful voice as a Cantorial Soloist since 2012. She holds degrees in vocal performance and Jewish studies from Tulane University, reflecting her deep commitment to both her musical and cultural heritage. Her versatile vocal talent spans across opera and musical theater to folk music, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences through various musical genres. Beyond her Cantorial work, Veronica is also a certified Health Coach who enjoys an active lifestyle with a dedication to health and wellness. She loves playing the guitar and is dedicated to nurturing young minds through B'nai mitzvah lessons. Veronica continues to be a vibrant presence in sacred music in Atlanta, GA, where she is currently based.
Joe Stroup
Joe Stroup, after a career in Information Technology, returned to his first passion as a collaborative pianist, coach, and music director in 2004. As a free-lance musician, he has directed and performed at colleges (Salem State University, Suffolk University, Endicott College) and community theaters (Marblehead Little Theater, Stage284, Arlington Children’s Theater), and numerous local high schools as well as several semi-professional organizations including the Hillyer Festival Orchestra and New England Light Opera Company. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Salem State where he also accompanies the Salem State Community Chorale, and has been the organist at the First Church, Congregational in Wenham since 1986. He and his partner, John, have a home in Beverly.
Daniel Tavani
Daniel Tavani is a performing artist in Boston, MA working to bridge the classical world with other musical genres and art forms. His solo cello performances range from concerti with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra and the U.S. Army Orchestra to stadium performances integrating live-looping and other modern music technology. After earning his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Daniel went on to study Music Production & Engineering at the Berklee College of Music, graduating summa cum laude. He has spent summers at the Aspen Music Festival, Pacific Music Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, Heifetz International Music Institute, YellowBarn Young Artists Program, and Masterworks Festival. Alongside his wife (and fellow cellist) Megan, Daniel is the Minister of Music at Church of the Cross Boston, further integrating a variety of genres of music with other art forms both in and outside of worship contexts. In addition to being a regular performer and session musician, Daniel is also an independent music producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, touring with artists including Owl City, Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Josh Garrels and sharing a stage with musicians such as Ricky Skaggs, Ross Holmes and Mike Block.
