Shira Adler is proud to be an Alumna of BCI's first Young Artist Program. During her BCI experience, Shira was privileged to study with Lucas Richman, world-renowned clarinetist, Giora Fiedman, and  Dr. Robert Strassburg.  Shira received her Bachelor of Arts in music from UCLA and her Master of Fine Arts in opera and pedagogy from UC-Irvine.  Among her professional performances in musical theatre, opera and plays were roles such as Mrs. Segstrom in Sondheim's A Little Night Music with Dale Kristien and Amanda McBroom,  directed by Teri Ralston, Vixen in The 8: Reindeer Monologues, Sarah in Guys and Dolls, Monica in Menotti's The Medium, Virginia in George M. Cohan's The Tavern, Suzanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Adina in L'Elisir d'Amore, Fantine in Les Miserables and Yum-Yum in The Mikado.  Other credits include Bells are Ringing, The Sound of Music (also with Dale Kristien), Die Fledermaus and Madama Butterfly. 

Always involved in Jewish music, Shira performed a song cycle and original compositions (which she commissioned) by Lucas Richman for both her Senior and Master's Recitals.  Shira also performed in several Brandeis programs, including the role of Leah in Dr. Strassburg's comic opera Chelm at the House of the Book.  Ms. Adler is also very active as a Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.  After much encouragement and after many years of  singing in opera, musical theatre, Jewish music concerts and as a Cantorial Soloist, Shira began training with master Chazzan and violinist Samuel Fordis.  Cantor Shira Adler now holds a full-time pulpit at Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue. 

Shira is thrilled to be returning home to the Brandeis-Bardin Institute and dedicates her performance to the mentors, friends and family who have continuously taught, inspired and encouraged her -Chazzan Samuel Fordis, Lucas and Debbie Richman, David Low, Dr. Bob Strassburg, Cantor Herschel Fox, Dr. Noreen Green, R. Alvin Mars, Dr. Jordan Charnofsky, R. Judith HaLevy, her MJC&S Mishpucha and her husband Dr. Rob Schwartz.