David Shine

David Shine's interest in Chazanut began as a young boy. He was inspired by the Chazanim in Nottingham where he grew up, firstly by the late Rev Aaron Hiller and then by Rev Maurice Schwartz. He conducted High Holydays Services in Staines at the invitation of Rev L Rosenberg, whose daughter Janet he married.

He learnt voice production under the late John Hargreaves; then under Tony Maddison and now under Leslie Seymour. He studies Chazanut under Cantor Moshe Haschel. David believes fervently that the aim of the Chazan is to use the Chazanut and vocal techniques to reflect the various layers of meaning in the prayers. Although seeking to be a faithful follower of the liturgical tradition he does occasionally insert changes in traditional chazanut compositions so as to reflect the true meaning of the words. David also sings Yiddish and operatic pieces in concert to critical acclaim. He is a solicitor by profession.

In 1973 he was appointed Chazan of the North Hendon Adath Yisroel Synagogue, which he served for 30 years. He has officiated as guest Chazan and performed at concerts in London and in the provinces. David was introduced to the London Cantorial Singers in 1997 by Ian Lyons z''l. He serves on the choir's executive committee and is one of its lead cantors. David is a lyric tenor.

David Rome

David, 21 years old, has become an accomplished Chazan combining his academic studies at University College London and Cantorial training with Cantor Stephen Robbins. He is the grandson of Rabbi Judah Rockman z'l, who was Rabbi of Catford and Bromley United Synagogue for 44 years. He acts as Cantor at Mill Hill Synagogue on numerous occasions throughout the year and teaches at the Hasmonean High School in Hendon where he directs the school's Nussach programme. He gives piano and Bar Mitzvah lessons and also provides singing tuition to people auditioning for theatre musicals.

He has been one of the soloists with the London Cantorial Singers since 2006. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, David has performed concerts incorporating a wide spectrum of music ranging from jazz to cantorial and recently performed in a West End theatre production. His last large event was performing during Chanukah in Trafalgar Square in the presence of 5000 people and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Ilford United Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in the UK, has appointed David Rome to be part time Chazan at the Shul. Mr. Rome has been assisting Rabbi I.G. Hyman in conducting the Services for some time now and his appointment recognises the great enjoyment that the community has from his singing of the Shabbat and Yom Tov tunes.