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Tribute to Barry Weinberg my Uncle
by Stephen Glass
(June 2003)

Barry was involved in all aspects of Jewish Music. He sang in our synagogue choir in Wembley, in the Zemel Choir and in the Shabbaton Choir. He played in a Jewish band and in Klezmer groups. He accompanied Cantors and played at wedding ceremonies. He lectured around the UK , attended international conferences and wrote articles for a host of publications. Largely self-taught in music, except for formal piano studies, Barry had a distinctive speaking voice and a singing voice whose quality was perfect for choral music. He loved all types of music. He was particularly fond of Ragtime and Klezmer music a well as the songs of Tom Lehrer and Flanders & Swann.

We sang together for years! Firstly in the synagogue choir (my Dad was in the group as well). In my middle teens I became the conductor of the group and he was always an incredible supporter of my work. In my early twenties, the Bnai Brith Jewish Music Festival (precursors of the Jewish Music Institute) formed the B'nai Brith Festival Singers for me, which evolved into the Shabbaton Choir. Barry was one of the founding members of the group. In addition, we both sang in the Zemel Choir at one point and toured Israel together as part of the choir. Barry even joined me in Montreal for my first High Holydays in Canada in 1990. Barry worked across the Jewish musical spectrum. He was personally comfortable collaborating with everyone and was universally accepted in that way. At this concert we remember Barry with admiration and affection.