Cantor Neil Michaels has been joyfully serving Temple Israel for an incredible 22 years, holding the beloved Stephen Gottlieb z”l Cantorial Chair. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Neil comes from a cherished family of musicians and Cantors, including the esteemed Louis Danto and Edward Fogel of blessed memory. His love for theatre and music blossomed during four unforgettable summers at the Interlochen National Music Camp in Traverse City.
Neil is a proud graduate of both the prestigious Juilliard School and The Curtis Institute of Music, where he received top honors from The Canadian Opera Company and the George London Foundation competitions. He later earned his Cantorial Certification from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion.
Neil’s heart has always been in the theatre, where he has graced the stages of renowned opera houses across the United States, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and the Santa Fe Opera. His talents have taken him abroad as well, with a standout performance as Don Giovanni at The Cultural Centre of the Philippines. Neil’s favorite roles include Marcello in La Bohème, Phantom, Billy Bigelow in Carousel, the Hajj in Kismet, Harold Hill in The Music Man, and most recently, Escamillo in Arbor Opera Theatre’s Carmen.
At Temple Israel, Neil has nurtured the vibrant B’nai Mitzvah program and produced countless concerts that have filled the congregation with joy and excitement. His one-man show, The Music in Me, and the concert rhapsody, Sing Your Praise, beautifully showcase his journey from the theatre to the Cantorate. Neil also co-produced and recorded Temple Israel’s first CD of worship music, Kavanat Haruach, and his solo album, Eden Once Again, is available on iTunes and CDBaby.
Neil’s life is enriched by his wonderful wife and partner in all things, Stephanie, a soprano with a uniquely beautiful voice, whom he met at Juilliard. Together, they are inspired daily by their amazing children, Elle and Shane, creating beautiful music and cherished memories as a family.
