Shaar celebrates 160 years of music

On Sunday, Nov. 5, the Shaar will culminate its 160th anniversary year by inviting members and the community-at-large to celebrate in the main sanctuary beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Chaired by father-daughter duo Marvin Corber and Deborah Corber, the event will present the 160th Gala Symphony Orchestra, featuring the McGill Chamber Orchestra, as well as the 160th Anniversary Adult Chorus and Children’s Chorus and Shaar Hashomayim’s Cantor Gideon Zelermyer and guest soloists.

The concert will be conducted by Stephen Glass, Shaar Hashomayim’s director of music. Boris Brott will share conducting honours with Glass.

For Brott, this is a historic opportunity. “I am thrilled to have the

opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s great cantors, Gideon Zelermyer, and a most gifted and prolific musical director, Stephen Glass, in the service of presenting 160 years of the world’s greatest Jewish music to the community,� Brott said.

“As a Montrealer, I have always looked to Shaar Hashomayim as being the synagogue with the greatest tradition in Montreal Jewish life and I feel honoured to be participating with its religious leadership and the Congregation in this historic event.�

Glass promises that attendees will experience a wide variety of musical genres, one which would “delight, amaze, set toes tapping, make people think and, likely more importantly, make them feel,� he said.

Tickets are available at three levels: patron’s (which includes a 'petit souper' at 6 p.m., valet parking and premier seating) at $160; reserved seating, at $60; and general admission at $18. They can be obtained by calling 514-937-9471. Musical events sell out quickly, so those interested are advised to reserve as soon as possible.