Cantorial Soloist Neil Michaels - nmichaels@temple-israel.org

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Neil Michaels, Temple Israel’s Cantorial Soloist for the past eight years, is a Toronto native and comes from an illustrious family of musicians, and cantors. In addition to his family’s legacy of cantorial excellence, Neil brings to Temple Israel his vast experience from a vibrant professional musical career, having performed leading roles in opera and musical theatre in the country’s most recognizable houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Connecticut Grand Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera. Neil has also had the good fortune to work in some of the country’s leading concert halls, including performances as Porgy in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the National Chorale at Avery Fisher Hall, Barber’s Dover Beach with the Audubon Quartet at Alice Tully Hall, and frequent appearances with the Opera Orchestra of New York at Carnegie Hall. In addition to his classical repertoire, he has toured the country in many works of the Broadway stage. Neil pursued his Bachelors degree at the Juilliard School, and graduate studies in Philadelphia at The Curtis Institute of Music.

At Temple Israel, Neil directs the B’nai Mitzvah Program, which brings him the great joy of working with students and families at one of the most memorable times in their lives. He also has the pleasure of coordinating a varied yearly program of services and concerts. One of Neil’s recent creations is the “Shir HaShabbat” service which features modern technology in the form of constantly flowing visuals combined with a fully scored service enriched by a large congregational choir. Neil has had the honor of leading services at several conventions for the American Conference of Cantors and Guild of Temple Musicians. He co-produced "Kavanat Haruach" - a CD of Temple Israel's Kabbalat Shabbat music, which was featured on Ruach 5769, the URJ's annual YFTI album.

In June, Neil will appear with Arbor Opera Theater as the “Toreador”, Escamillo, in their production of Carmen.


The most fulfilling roles in Neil’s life are those of husband to his wife Stephanie, who is also a professional singer and teacher; and father of their wonderfully charming children, Elliana and Shane.