Backon, Shlomo

BACKON, Shlomo. Cantor. Born Des, Hungary, 1901, son of Chaim and Netty Backon; father was a Chazen in Des and a composer of liturgical music. Educated in Des, Paks and Pressburg; Jews College, London; and Academies of Music in Budapest and Milan. Began career as Cantor in 1922 at the New Synagogue in Stamford Hill, London. Came to South Africa 1926 as Headmaster of the Benoni Hebrew School and Cantor to the congregation. Resigned 1937 to go to Milan for further musical studies. On return became Cantor of the Yeoville Synagogue (1938), retiring in 1958, when he was made Cantor Emeritus (a position awarded for the first time in the congregation). Has broadcast on many occasions over the S.A.B.C. in Hebrew, Yiddish, Hungarian, etc. (including the Tenor Solo in the Beethoven Ninth Symphony). Has also undertaken concert tours in South Africa and overseas, singing in Hebrew and Yiddish, and also appearing in opera. Has recorded for His Master's Voice, "Der Berditschever Kaddish," "Gott in Himmel is a Foter," "Mai Kamashma Lon" and "Ner Tamid." Delegate to S.A. Jewish Board of Deputies from Benoni Hebrew Order of David, 1928-34; Executive member, Benoni Jewish Cultural Society, 1928-36. Married Fanny Duchen, 1932. Add.: 17, Mowbray Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.