About Yudi Cohen

Jewish Classical Crossover Singer Yudi Cohen is a passionate cantor, opera singer, and entertainer—a vibrant tenor with an electrifying presence and a voice that uniquely blends soulfulness, power, and tenderness.

More than just notes on a piece of paper, music is an expression of our deepest emotions, interwoven with the history, culture, and temperament of true artistic creations. This is precisely what classically trained tenor Yudi Cohen brings to every synagogue, stage, and performance hall—an authentic, soulful experience.

Born into a musical family in London 1974, Yudi's musical journey began in the Jewish enclave of Stamford Hill, where he was introduced to cantorial and Chasidic music at an early age. This early exposure, coupled with his remarkable vocal and musical talent, set the stage for his future career. As a child prodigy, Yudi became a sought-after soloist in choirs, at synagogues and Jewish events, known for his pure and resonant voice with unique spiritual depth. His talent took him to New York in the early 1980s, where he recorded as a child soloist in the NY Jewish boys' choir T’zlil V’zemer igniting his passion for musical discovery.

Yudi pursued his education through the Chabad Yeshiva system, higher Jewish educational academies, in the UK and the US, where he studied the Talmud as well as Chasidic and Kabbalistic Jewish texts. As a young man, he was sent to Sydney as a Chabad emissary. Through these teachings, particularly those of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he developed a deep commitment to outreach and a passion for connecting with people

After receiving his Semicha (Rabbinical Ordination) at the Gutnick Semicha Academy in Melbourne, Yudi’s journey led him to South Africa's vibrant culture, where over more than two decades, he established a distinguished career as a cantor and singer in prestigious synagogues and on renowned stages throughout the country.

While in South Africa, Yudi delved into the world of classical music by enrolling in the Tshwane University of Technology as an opera student in the Department of Vocal Art. During his studies, he performed the roles of Rodolfo in La Bohème and Don José in Carmen. In 2008, he earned his BTech in Vocal Art and was recognized with multiple awards as a student. A personal and professional highlight for Yudi was performing as Alfredo in La Traviata at the Johannesburg Theatre in 2019.

His musical inspirations range from the great Jewish cantors Joseph Rosenblatt and Zawel Kwartin to singers like Shlomo Carlebach and Leonard Cohen, Nina Simon, as well as opera luminaries such as Enrico Caruso, Jussi Björling, and Luciano Pavarotti.

Yudi has performed on concert platforms and in synagogues worldwide, in locations including the UK, USA, Mexico, China, Brazil, Australia, and Israel.

Yudi's creative spirit led him to establish, produce, direct, and sing in the vocal ensemble Diversity. The group blended opera, African, Jewish, Israeli, pop, and other musical genres with humour, dance, and audience interaction, delivering captivating theatrical performances across the globe, notably at the Beijing Pop Music Festival.

Despite the allure of an international opera career, Yudi's heart whispered a different tune. His commitment to observing Shabbat and Jewish holidays, coupled with a longing to share the beauty and depth of the authentic Jewish experience, led him on his unique path. Yudi remained true to his calling, serving as chief cantor for sixteen years at the renowned Sydenham Shul in Johannesburg, achieving iconic status in South Africa.

In 2021, after relocating to London with his wife and five children, Yudi produced, directed, and starred in his one-man Exodus and High Holiday musical experience shows, which he has performed for more than 50 communities worldwide, including Australia, South Africa, the UK, and across the USA.

In February 2024 Yudi performed at the Kobi Halperin New York Fashion Week Runway show.

Yudi continues to inspire audiences globally with his dynamic performances and unwavering dedication to his musical and spiritual roots.

“For me, the journey of music is more than entertainment. It is an opportunity to reach each audience member on the spiritual and soul level. This is where the soundscape is the most effective at evoking a real connection.”