Thursday, May 26, 2011

Jewish Music Week comes to Toronto




A first for Toronto, Jewish Music Week is something to get excited about. This week-long festival is an impressive feat made possible by the collaboration of dozens of Jewish organizations across Toronto. The festival has been on since Sunday and will continue until this Sunday, May 29. There are several events every day except for Shabbat, and few of them include Klezmer - a testament to the diversity of Jewish music!

The festival got off to a fun start Sunday afternoon at the Jays game. Some members of the Cantors Assembly sang beautiful, harmonized versions of the Canadian and American national anthems before the game. (In case you were wondering, the Jays lost 3-2).

Following the game, the cantors and others headed over David Pescaut Square to celebate Lag B'omer with performances by the Associated Hebrew Schools Choir, and a Jewish-Latin band. It was a beautiful day to be at an outdoor concert and the delightful Jewish-Latin beats had people dancing.



There are still dozens more events to check out but these are a few that stand out.

Wednesday
What: Music for a Jewish Gospel Service - with the one and only Mike Stein
When: 10:45 AM
  • Not the first time Jewish gospel has made an appearance in Toronto!

What: Gala Evening Concert: Halleluyah! Greatist Hits of Israel's Song Festivals
When: 7:30 PM

Thursday

What: Jewish Classical Music with "String Theory"
When: 3 PM
  • String Theory is Toronto's latest professional string ensemble!
What: A Movie and a Schmooze - "100 Voices" Film followed by Bantor with the Cantors
When: 7:30 PM
  • Admission is exclusive to ticket holders of the Gala Evening Concert on Wednesday so plan ahead.

Friday
What: Lunch Time Music - Klezkonnection
Where: Ben Sadowski Auditorium, Mount Sinai Hospital
When: 12 PM
  • Klezkonnection is a community klezmer orchestra. You might have seen them wowing the audience at the 2010 Ashkenaz Festival.!

Shabbat Bonus: There will be 4 unique musical ways to usher in Shabbat on Friday night. Check the schedule to find the one that's right for you.

Saturday
What: Community Melaveh Malka
When: 9:45 PM - after Shabbat

Sunday
What: Jewish Big Band featuring Bob DeAngelis and his Champagne Symphony Big Bandk
When: 7 PM
  • The official closing party of the Festival!

Casandra Campbell

No comments: