CFHU and The Song Shul held a joint event, a one-night-only show celebrating Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). The event was a true celebration of the city of Jerusalem and was the featured closing night concert of Toronto’s Jewish Music Week.
The full-scale production was held at Toronto’s historic Winter Garden Theatre, and featured legendary vocal jazz quartet Manhattan Transfer, Juno-nominated singer Wendy Lands and the Song Shul’s Cantor Simon Spiro. These extraordinary vocalists were joined onstage by visiting Israeli jazz artists, City of David Dancers and the Canadian All-Star Swing Orchestra.
Opening remarks were presented by NYU’s School of International Relations distinguished professor, Ambassador Ido Aharoni. Ambassador Aharoni is a 25-year veteran of Israel’s Foreign service, a public diplomacy specialist and founder of the Brand Israel program. Ambassador Aharoni, served as Israel’s longest-serving consul-general in New York and the tri-state area for six years, overseeing the operations of Israel’s largest diplomatic mission worldwide.
The wonderous orchestra delivered a lively performance while vocalists sang both iconic tunes and original songs. Footage from the stunning Jerusalem IMAX movie was screened as well, showcasing the awe-inspiring cityscape of Jerusalem, its diverse communities, and its rich history.