AJFF Gala Concert with ASO Adds Interfaith Choirs

As part of its milestone 25th anniversary celebration, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is raising the curtain on something truly special — its dazzling Gala Concert will bring together not just iconic Jewish film music, but also Atlanta’s diverse artistic and faith communities for a powerful night of unity and cultural expression with the addition of  performances by The Temple and Ebenezer Baptist Church choirs, two of Atlanta’s most historically significant spiritual communities.

These choirs, together with AJFF’s three featured vocalists — Brad Raymond, Deb Bowman, and Leigh Ellen Jones, will join the ASO at Symphony Hall in bringing to life sentimental scores from films like “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “An American Tail,” “The Ten Commandments,” “The Producers,” and more.

About this addition, incorporating “faith, culture, and curiosity.” AJFF Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank said, “At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, AJFF is proud to bring Atlanta’s creative and spiritual communities together on one stage. This concert is about more than music — it’s about community, compassion, and the enduring power of shared stories.”

Traveling from California, Maestro Stuart Chafetz will bring his experience as a principal pops conductor and a specialist in film scores. He has conducted major orchestras across North America and collaborated with acclaimed artists across genres. Chafetz will helm the evening alongside Turner Classic Movies (TCM) primetime host Ben Mankiewicz and Blank.

The event is one-night only, Monday, Oct. 20. Beyond the music itself, the evening is designed to be a reflection of AJFF’s mission to bridge communities through the power of film. The venue seats 1,800 and tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased by visiting AJFF.org/concert.