CANTOR BENJAMIN Z. MAISSNER
Connecting Jews to their rich musical heritage
Available for concerts, workshops, conducting, music direction, officiating, performing, presenting, teaching, coaching, and consulting.
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Available for concerts, workshops, conducting, music direction, officiating, performing, presenting, teaching, coaching, and consulting. 〰️
Recent and Upcoming Events, Concerts & Presentations
From March 14 - April 7, 2024, I was in Israel. Follow my Instagram to see what I was doing.
Help me celebrate my 80th birthday. Enjoy Holy Blossom Temple’s beautiful morning service, a congregational Kiddush, and a special performance by LACHAN.
May 4, 2024, at 10:30 am ET. Livestream is also available.
—Beny
On International Women's Day, Friday, March 8, I participated in the Canadians for Israel rally, at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. It was heartbreaking to see a re-enactment of the October 7 Hamas kidnapping of women.
I was honoured to lead the singing of the Canadian and Israeli national anthems.
—Beny
On Tuesday, January 23 at 8:00 pm ET, I will be presenting Cantors in Canada: Yesteryears. We will explore the history of Cantors and Cantorial music in Canada, from the beginning of the 20th century, when cantors began to arrive in Winnipeg, Windsor, Montreal, and Toronto. With audio and video clips, we will experience the great voices of the past and the passion of those voices, as they appealed to Jewish communities. Please join me on zoom.
—Beny
I will be participating in this candlelight ceremony, where we will offer prayers for Kfir and his family, all kidnapped by Hamas. This location was chosen to support the Jewish residents of Armour Heights, who have been experiencing repeated hostile protests. Please join me and show your support on January 6, 7pm, at the Bathurst and Wilson Parkette.
—Beny
Cantors Assembly
On Wednesday, December 13, at 8 pm ET, I will present The History of Maoz Tzur. This presentation outlines the origins and historical and musical background of the Hanukkah candle lighting blessings and of the Hebrew hymn Maoz Tzur. Several variations of this hymn throughout the ages will be explored with audio recordings and visual images.
I hope you join me on zoom.
—Beny
Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation
On Sunday Nov. 26, I will sing at Grace Christian Life Centre, in support of Israel and the hostages.
—Beny
On Nov. 20, I will sing at a vigil in front of the UNICEF building in Toronto, for the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.
—Beny
click to see concert video
On Nov. 7, 2023, I was featured in a concert honouring the music of my uncle Israel Alter z”l. You can see the video here.
—Beny
click to see video clip
The concert was a big success. Click on the picture to see a video clip. Thank you to all who came out.
You may know that I play in a Klezmer band, called Klezconection. We are having a concert on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Earl Bales Community Centre. Please come see us at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6 and there is limited seating. But we will be inside. So rain or shine. I hope to see you there.
—Beny
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