Aminadav aloni biography of george

AMINADAV  “AMI” ALONI  1928 – 1999

An accomplished classical and jazz pianist, musical theatre composer and arranger, Aminadav Aloni z”l  was, above all, a prolific synagogue composer who created Jewish sacred musical works of distinction.

Born in Tel Aviv, Aloni came to the U.S.

in 1945 to study piano/music theory/ composition/conducting at Los Angeles City College. He then moved to New York to pursue advanced piano studies at Juilliard. Upon returning to L.A., he taught piano, performed in jazz clubs, improvised accompaniments for noted choreographers, co-authored nine musicals and composed numerous scores for film and television.

In 1966 Cantor Samuel Fordis of Valley Beth Shalom invited Aloni to accompany worship services there.

This eventually led to his appointment as choir director and composer in residence, a role he held for almost thirty years.

Said Aloni:  “I really was not planning to write any Jewish music. I was FORCED TO! Sam used a melody I wrot