Born in Birmingham, UK, Cantor Richard Newman has been interested in music all his life. Before beginning his cantorial training, Richard worked as a professional musician in London, having gained his masters in music at Trinity College of Music, London in 2011. Richard has worked with some of the UK’s leading conductors, including Matthew Willis, Steuart Bedford, and Kirill Karabatis in concert and operatic work throughout the UK and Europe, and has been fortunate to study with the likes of Carla Rae Cook, Anton Belov, Candace Goetz and Arlene Shrut. He has appeared on TV, radio, and numerous recordings over the years. Before moving to the US, Richard was a regular soloist with the Zemel Choir in London, the UK’s premier mixed voice Jewish choir, and was a regular service leader at Belsize Square Synagogue, London. While pursuing his cantorial training in New York and Jerusalem, Richard had the good fortune to study privately with a number of wonderful cantors from across the Jewish denominational spectrum, including Jacob Mendelsohn, Israel Goldstein, and Benjie Schiller. He also performed as soloist at a number of concerts around the city, and was honored to serve for four years as the cantorial intern at Congregation Emanu-El of New York City.

Richard continues to strive to use the power of music to help adults and children find meaning and enjoyment in their lives, both within and outside of the religious world. He also holds a law degree and a Master of Science in IT and management.