cantor
/ˈkantɔː
/ /ˈkantə/noun
1An official who sings liturgical music and leads prayer in a synagogue.Synagogue services can be led by a rabbi, a cantor or a member of the congregation....
- One thing I remember clearly is how she sang the cantor in the synagogue service.
- His mother was Rosalie Israelssohn while his father was Adolf Lasker, a cantor in the synagogue whose role there was to lead the liturgical prayers and chanting.
2(In formal Christian worship) a person who sings solo verses or passages to which the choir or congregation respond.In my parish, I'm a cantor and choir member, and I really enjoy singing and leading the congregation in song....
- The ceremony is begun by the priest, assisted by a cantor or church choir that sings the responses.
- The collection for parish choirs, congregations and cantors features new compositions by Liam Lawton and Kiltimagh born composer Ronan McDonagh.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from Latin, 'singer', from canere 'sing'.