Straight from Odessa, by way of Israel, Cantor Itzhak Zhrebker brings a warm, personable approach to teaching what he loves most-Jewish and liturgical music. He is also known for his breathtaking voice and musical talent. As a child prodigy, he started studying and singing professionally at the age of six. His parents recognized his musical and vocal talents early on and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Cantor Zhrebker studied under the direction of Cantor Naftali Herhtick, Cantor I. Eshel and Cantor Louis Danto, and received concentrated cantorial education from Elli Jaffe, the musical director of the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem. He earned his Master's degree in voice coaching, choir conducting and solo performance from Odessa City Academy of Music. He has a full operatic voice and has mastered Verismo and Belle Canto techniques. In addition to his beautiful singing voice, Cantor Zhrebker is a conductor, an arranger and a composer. His vocal debuts have included songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, Italian, French and English. Prior to his appointment as Cantor of Congregation Shearith Israel, Cantor Zhrebker performed as a soloist for the Jewish Musical Drama Theater. He has also served as guest cantor for various synagogues around the world. During his six years in Israel, Cantor Zhrebker performed with the New Israeli Opera. His professional credits include performing as a solo vocalist in concerts in Canada, Israel and the U.S. In addition, Cantor Zhrebker has taken part in several radio, television and movie productions. For the last three years Cantor Zhrebker performed with Walden Piano Quartet, Russian Ensemble Kalinka, String Trio Les Amis, Marvin Hamlisch, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and his latest success was with The Dallas Opera and the cast of Tales of Hoffmann. Cantor Zhrebker celebrated his 10 year Anniversary at Shearith this past May by recording his eighth album, Etz Chaim He. Through outstanding music programs, his work with adult and youth choirs, and his innovative approach to High Holy Days and Shabbat melodies, Cantor Zhrebker has brought a new spirituality to prayer at CSI.