DAVID EGGERT AND LEV LOFTUS PERFORM BIALIK ALUMNI MUSICAL TRIBUTE
David Eggert, a young Edmonton-born cellist with a blossoming international performing career, and Lev Loftus, a Canadian-born Israeli percussionist, perform an evening of music from J. S. Bach and Iannis Xenakis as a tribute to alumni of Toronto’s Bialik Hebrew Day School.
Tickets are free to alumni, $10 to the general public (cash only at the door). Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W. Feb. 14, 8 p.m.; reception to follow.
Friends of Yiddish: What’s Happening in the World of Yiddish Today? is a lecture in Yiddish and English by author and York University professor Kalman Weiser. Workmen’s Circle, 471 Lawrence Ave. W. Sunday Feb. 13, 2 p.m. Members free; guests $5. RSVP by Feb. 9 to Sandy, 416-458-1440.
New Memoir from Vladimir Rott: Toronto author Vladimir Rott has recently published Joy of Discoveries, a second book of memoirs. He makes a presentation and signs copies of the book at Torah Emeth Congregation Hall, 1 Viewmount Ave. Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m. Free admission; refreshments. Please RSVP to 416-782-3175.
Personal Storytelling: Actor-writer Tracey Erin Smith offers personal storytelling classes designed to help people write, direct and star in their own one-person show by transforming raw material from life into creative solo performances. No prior acting experience necessary. Miles Nadal JCC, Thursdays 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 10 weeks, Feb. 24 to April 28. Details at [email protected].
Names in the News: British author Anthony Horowitz, creator of a popular series of novels about teenage spy Alex Rider, has been commissioned by the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write a full-length Sherlock Holmes novel.
Conan Doyle wrote some 56 short stories and four novels about the popular detective. Horowitz’s book, which is due for publication in Britain in September, will be the fifth Sherlock Holmes novel ever written. A fan of the great detective since he was a teenager, Horowitz has said that he set about writing “a first-rate mystery for a modern audience while remaining absolutely true to the spirit of the original.”
Names in the News II: The Orphan Rescue (Second Story Press) by Toronto author Anne Dublin has been named a finalist for the 2010 National Jewish Book Award (U.S.) for Children’s and Young Adult Literature and a 2011 Sydney Taylor Notable Book (Association of Jewish Libraries). This historical-fiction book for ages nine to 13 takes place in 1937 in Sosnowiec, Poland.
Arts in Brief
• Jordan Klapman discusses Lerner and Loewe (librettist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe) and plays piano as part of the series on Broadway’s Great Jewish Composers and Songs We Love to Sing. Miles Nadal JCC, Active Senior, Thursday, Feb. 3, 1:30 p.m.
• The Fern Lindzon Quartet, consisting of Lindzon on piano, Bill McBirnie on flute, Dan Fortin on bass and Nick Fraser on drums, performs dinner jazz at Chalkers Pub, 247 Marlee Ave. (near Glencairn subway). Saturday, Feb. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Film critic Adam Nayman discusses Canadian art-house films and shows film clips as part of the series In Nayman’s Terms: Surfing the New Wave Cinema. Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre Media Mondays, Feb. 7, 7 to 9 p.m. $12 drop-in per lecture; students $6. 416-924-6211, ext. 606.
• Toronto-based singer-songwriter Donna Greenberg launches her new CD Mav’rik with a concert with Jordan Klapman, Glenn Anderson, Henry Heillig, Tom Skublics and Jon Seiger. $15. The Annex Live, 296 Brunswick Ave. Feb. 12, 8 p.m. Reservations, 416-929-3999.
• The United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto presents The Simpsons’ producer-writer Mike Reiss, as he reflects on “The Simpsons, Comedy and Judaism.” $30. Westin Prince Hotel, 900 York Mills Rd. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
• Miles Nadal JCC is seeking people over 65 who love to sing to join a seniors choir that will meet every Tuesday 1 to 2:30 p.m., Feb. 22 to the end of June. No experience necessary. very affordable; first meeting free. Contact Gillian at [email protected].
• Toronto-based director-performer Alon Nashman and the Cecilia String Quartet take Theaturtle’s production of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen on tour this month to Ottawa and Vancouver.
Out of Town: Beth Jacob Synagogue, 375 Aberdeen Ave., in Hamilton, presents “Journey to Jerusalem,” an oratorio with music and lyrics by Cantor Eyal Bitton that takes viewers on a musical journey through the history of the Jewish people. Starring Bitton, Michele Tredger, along with the SteelTown Symphony, conductor Richard Haighway and narrated by media personality Michael Coren. $25, Sunday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. 905-522-1351.