Alex Dashevsky was one of 14 finalists for the 2012 Halllelujah-Global Jewish singing contest (A Torontian won)

The Winnipeg Jewish review is posting a you tube video of  Alex performing in the semi-finals. After the video please scroll down to read our interview with Dashevsky after his return form Israel. 

Dashefsky, who came in second in the Audience Favourite voting on Facebook, was very excited on learning he had made it to the finals.

Interview with Alex Dashevsky, finalist, 2012 Halllelujah-Global Jewish singing contest

WJR: What was the best part of being in the contest?

Dashevsky: The best part of the contest was meeting Jewish people from around the world. I made so many friends that I have a strong connection with even now that the contest is over.

We all shared an instant bond through both music and Judaism. The entire experience was taken to another level through the friends that I made, whether they were from the other side of the world, or soldiers in the IDF that were helping with the program.

WJR: Did you ever think you'd make it to the finals?

Dashevsky: I didn't expect to make it to the finals at all. The level of talent in the group was extremely high. Being both the youngest and one of the most inexperienced was fairly intimidating at first. Many of the other competitors had been performing for years and had a lot of exposure to professional training. Making it to the finals was both shocking and humbling. I had come to the competition with the feeling that I had already won by partaking in the experience itself. The finals were a secondary thought that rarely even crossed my mind.

WJR: How long have you been playing the sax?

Dashevsky: I have been playing the saxophone for 5 years. I was inspired by my Zaida, Harold Fleishman, to play. He had played the saxophone for over 60 years and had encouraged me to try to pick it up. I played with both my school's Jazz and Concert bands.

WJR: What do you like to do in your free time?

Dashevsky: In my free time I either work, hang out with friends, play music or sing to myself in the basement, play tennis, cook, or just find something interesting to do.

I have so many interests that my free time is usually not designated towards one particular thing. I try to keep as well-rounded as possible.

WJR: What are you taking in University?

Dashevsky: I am mainly taking Science courses with some business and Judaic electives at U of M.

WJR: Did anyone come to Israel to see you sing?

Dashevsky: My parents came to Israel to see me perform in the finals in Ramat HaSharon. Also, the relatives of a very close family friend in Winnipeg came to see the show; however, they already live in Israel.