Benzion Kapov-Kagan

Benzion [Yisrael Noach] Kapov-Kagan (1889-1953)

Yisrael Noach Kapov-Kagan was born in Romania. His father, Shlomo, was a merchant who died at a young age leaving behind eleven children, eight of whom also died within a short time of one another whilst they were still children.

As a youngster, Yisrael Noach sang in various synagogue choirs and at the age of 26 he obtained his first position in Rostov Am Don. He was then engaged by the Brodie Schul in Odessa, where he contested against 42 Chazanim for the post.

In those days the top Chazanim were treated as 'stars' and some of them were paid extraordinarily well. Kapov-Kagan was amongst this number and he became very wealthy. In 1930, the Bolsheviks came to his house to demand money. When he refused, they broke his arm and cut off his thumb! 

Eventually, using his brother Ben-Zion's passport, he was able to flee Russia, leaving his wife and child behind. He was now known as 'Ben-Zion,' and he retained his brother's name for the rest of his life.

When he went to the United States, he became Chazan, first to the Jewish Centre in Ocean Parkway and then to the Concords Jewish centre in the Bronx. Kapov-Kagan gave concerts all around the States. He also went to Canada and South America, and frequently performed with the choir of the famous choir-leader, Oscar Julius.

Until the end of his life, he tried to get permission for his wife and son to join him in America. He enlisted the assistance of President Roosevelt, but even he was unable to help. Ben Zion Kapov-Kagan died on the second day of Rosh Hashana 1953, deeply missed, and greatly mourned.

Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler

[78RPM]

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 25-5146

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan Victor V-9064 1940

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 38-1004

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 68-8024

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan Victor V-59017 1938

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 25-5146

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan Victor V-9064 1940

Rachmono Deonei Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 38-1030

Rachmono Deonei Benzion Kapov-Kagan Victor V-59021 1938

[45RPM]

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 53-5146

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor 53-5146

[33RPM]

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan Collectors Guild CG 618 1962

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan Greater Recording GRC 32 1965

Birchas Kohanim
Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor TD-1002

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan Collectors Guild CG 618 1962

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan Greater Recording GRC 32 1965

Kiddush Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor LPT 1017 1955

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan Collectors Guild CG 618 1962

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan Greater Recording GRC 32 1965

Ono Bekoach Benzion Kapov-Kagan RCA Victor TD-1002

Rachmono Deonei Benzion Kapov-Kagan Collectors Guild CG 617 1964

Rachmono Deonei Benzion Kapov-Kagan Greater Recording GRC 32 1965

Last update 11-07-2020