Allan Michelson; Cantor

Allan Michelson, retired cantor of Temple Adat Ari El in North Hollywood who sang in several films, has died at a Woodland Hills hospital. He was 71.

A resident of Encino, Michelson died Sunday of complications of recent surgery, according to mortuary officials.

Born in Liepaja, Latvia, Michelson followed his father in becoming a cantor and sang throughout Latvia, Germany, Sweden and Poland. He came to the United States shortly before the beginning of World War II and served in the U.S. Army for four years. After he was discharged, Michelson continued his musical studies in Indianapolis and Chicago and moved to California in 1952 where he accepted the cantorial post at Temple Adat Ari El, then called the Valley Jewish Community Center and Temple. As cantor, Michelson served in several capacities including educator and conductor. He retired in 1984.

His voice was heard in several films, including “The Silver Chalice” (1954), “Land of the Pharaohs” (1955) and “Judgment at Nuremberg” (1961). Michelson was also the featured soloist on the “The House of the Lord” recording with the Roger Wagner Chorale.

Michelson is survived by his daughters Janis Rojany and Lisa Michelson, both of Encino, and nine grandchildren. His wife, Patricia Michelson, died in February. Many of his immediate family members died in the Holocaust.

A funeral is scheduled for noon Wednesday at Temple Adat Ari El, 5540 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd. in Mission Hills. Groman-Eden Mortuary in Mission Hills is handling the arrangements.