The Rinat Cheir of Israel presented a program of Israeli concert and folk songs and of American songs tonight at the inaugural dinner of the United States National Cultural Center at which President and Mrs. Kennedy headed 5,000 guests.
The choir, which consists of 40 adult mixed voices, was the only non-American participant at the dinner. Roger L. Stevens, chairman of the center board of trustees, called the choir’s participation “an inspiring way of cementing cultural relations” between the United States in Israel.
The choir will make a month-long tour of the United States under sponsorship of the American-Israel Cultural Foundation and its constituent, the American-Israel Music Alliance. Founded seven years ago, the Rinat Choir is comprised of amateur singers. It won first prize at the Paris International Choral Contest in 1958 and various other international awards, Gary Bertini, the conductor who made his American debut in 1959, is choir leader.
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