Sunday, the rabbi sings Pilate

David Renzi

Friday, March 21, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. John Passion," this year's Easter presentation by the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, will feature, among others, Neil Wilson as Jesus and Gary Golbart as Pontius Pilate. Rabbi Gary Golbart.

"I wondered if he would hesitate (to play the part)," Musical Director Douglas Peterson says of Golbart's role in the Christ crucifixion story, "but he didn't object at all. I haven't heard any response at all."

And he won't. Whatever his own religious beliefs, Golbart says he is a performing artist first in this particular context.

"I've been doing this kind of stuff for so long that I see myself in several roles in my life," says the rabbi, who has performed with the Musical Arts Society for more than 20 years.

"I'm not doing this piece from a theological perspective. It's a work of art, one of the great works. Some of the most wonderful pieces were written for the church by Brahms, Bach and Mozart, so many of the great composers. If I were to devoid myself from that art, I would really feel lost.

"The text," he continues, "comes from the New Testament. It's not something I subscribe to. But as a work of art, it's magnificent. And as an artist, I can appreciate it and help bring it to life through my ability, along with all the other artists. If it were done in a prayer in a church, I would be in a different position."

"St. John Passion" is the third in a Bach trilogy, following "St. Matthew Passion" last year and "B Minor Mass" in 1995.

"These are probably the greatest religious (musical) creations of all time. Maybe in my old age, I want to be sure I do them," Peterson, 71, says with a laugh. "You begin to count the moments."

But Peterson's regard for Bach probably influenced his decision to perform the trilogy more than any mortality issues.

"I think he's the supreme composer of all time."

Of the "Passion" works, the "St. Matthew" (written in 1729) is the more massive (two orchestras, two choruses), but the "St. John" (1724) is the more dramatic, emotional and difficult, Peterson says.

"'St. John' puts you in the action right away. 'St. Matthew' is more reflective, more tranquil."

The Musical Arts Society performed "St. John Passion" last weekend at Pierce College in Los Angeles. This weekend about 30 of the college's Premiere Choral singers will join the Musical Arts Society singers and orchestra for this performance.

"This is our third collaboration between Las Vegas and Los Angeles," Peterson says.

Along with Wilson and Golbart, tenor Jonathan Mack, now in his 12th year with the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Company, is one of the guest soloists. He'll perform the role of the Evangelist.

Soprano Rebecca Martindale, choral director at Cimarron-Memorial High School, and countertenor Voltaire Verzosa will sing arias.

Golbart, a baritone, is the spiritual leader at Adat Ari El (the Lion of God), a reformation congregation embracing traditional Judaism. He also is a cantor who handles the congregation's music.

He brings a show-business background to his work, having performed in the "Folies Bergere" at the Tropicana.

"I actually was here for a vacation and was talked into auditioning for the show," says Golbart, who at the time was a cantor and studying at the Conservatory of Music in St. Louis. "I called back to St. Louis and said, 'I got a good summer job, I'll be back later.' Well, I never went back. I became the lead singer and master of ceremonies in the 'Folies.'"

After that, he was part of a musical comedy act (Scott and Gary) that performed in the production shows at the Tropicana, Stardust and MGM, and as an opening act for star-policy shows at the Sands.

"I did all that for five years. I went back and forth between Las Vegas and St. Louis for Jewish high holidays to perform as a cantor. Then I was asked to become the spiritual leader here at one of the congregations and serve there," he says.

"It was a part-time position, and during that time, I was placed at the Stardust Hotel as the entertainment director of the 'Lido.'"

Golbart began to pursue his rabbinical ordination about four years ago, traveling back and forth to New York for testing. He received his ordination on Jan. 2, 1996.

For all his various spiritual and musical pursuits over the years, Golbart has always had one constant: the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, for which he has performed as a soloist and served as a board member, producer and director.

"Every time they asked me to do the big works as a soloist, I would. I always found so much joy in it, and it would fulfill my artistic needs to get out in front of an orchestra and choir. As a soloist, it's been a great opportunity for me to be chosen to do the great works."