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Shelkan Khaim-Gershon (1911-1999)

Personal data
SurnameShelkan
NameKhaim-Gershon
Birth year1911
Birth month12
Birth day11
Birth placeRiga
Death year1999
Death month10
Death day9
Death placeBoston
SexM

Shelkan Khaim-Gershon Gregor (11.12.1911, Riga ― 09.10.1999, Boston, USA) ― singer, dramatic tenor, teacher, cantor.
Born into an Orthodox family, received a traditional religious education.
Studied at the Vienna Conservatory; upon graduation sang at the Vienna Opera, then was a soloist at the Bern City Theatre.
In 1940 he sang at the Latvian National Opera (singing the part of Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly”). He gave charity concerts for the benefit of the “Ivrit” gymnasium in Riga in January and April 1940. In 1940 he worked at the Riga Jewish Theatre (in the play “Der Wilner Balebesl”). In the summer of 1940 he sang in symphony orchestra concerts in Kemeri and with the Riga Symphony Orchestra.
During the Second World War Sh. managed to escape; in 1945(?) he emigrated to the USA. He lived in Boston and for many years was a cantor at the city's synagogue.

Lit.: Zalitis J. Raksti. Lpp. 771; Segodnya vecherom. 1940. Nos. 25, 93.

M. Mikhailets