Cantor Robbie Solomon is internationally known as a composer of Jewish choral works and synagogue repertoire. His stirring anthem "Leaving Mother Russia," written in 1979, became the rallying cry of the Soviet Jewry movement and established him as a musical interpreter of Jewish conscience. He has since authored dozens of songs of Jewish content, including "World of Our Fathers," "Falasha Nevermore," "Peace by Piece," and is well known as a performer/songwriter with the popular Jewish music group SAFAM. In addition to ten recordings with SAFAM, Cantor Solomon's works have been performed and recorded by numerous cantors and choirs throughout the world.

His commissions have included several major works such as a Friday night service written in 1989 for Congregation Neveh Shalom, Portland, OR, a Havdalah service written in 1993 for Temple Emanuel, Worcester, MA, and a Torah Service written in 1999 for Temple Beth-El, Northbrook, IL.

Cantor Solomon has also been commissioned on several occasions to write choral pieces for Zamir Chorale of Boston, MA, and his works have been regularly featured at the annual North American Jewish Choral Festival.

Solomon's synagogue works are characterized by their melodic lyricism and accessibility. As a cantor (currently serving Congregation Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA), Robbie fashions his compositions for use in the services. His music strives to bring the voice of the congregation into the prayers, mixing the familiar with the new. He has collaborated with diverse musical groups to expand the scope of Jewish music. These groups include Klezmer bands, gospel choirs, and even the cutting edge classical ensemble The Yesaroun' Duo, which features his son, Samuel -- a graduate of The Juilliard School -- on percussion.

The Orphan Queen was first performed at Ohabei Shalom in 1997, where it received an overwelmingly positive response from over 2000 attendees during its three performances. It has since been produced at the Jewish Theatre of New England in Newton, MA, at the Park Synagogue in Cleveland, OH, and is scheduled for eight performances at the Middleman JCC of Portland, OR, in February of 2002.

Along with an Orthodox upbringing in Baltimore, MD, and rabbinical study at the Hebrew Union College, Cantor Solomon received conservatory training at the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem, Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory. He is certified with both the Reform and Conservative movements, the ACC and CA respectively.

Cantor Solomon and his wife, Helen, live in Lexington, MA. They have two sons, Byron and Sam.