In July 2021, Ashkenaz presented its first official concerts with a live audience since the global pandemic began. The performances took place in the barn at Bela Farm, a beautiful property one hour northwest of Toronto. For all of the artists too, this was their first opportunity to perform for a live audience in over 18 months. The thrill and excitement of the artists and the small socially-distanced audiences was palpable. This magical week of concerts was documented with multiple cameras and mics and each show will soon be edited and streamed for all to enjoy. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the most up-to-date info about broadcast dates. Here below are short descriptions of each of these concerts:

ROMada – World premiere of an Ashkenaz commissioned new ensemble of Roma musicians living in Canada, led by Moldavian-born, Montreal-based accordionist Sergiu Popa.

Socalled with Toronto Jazz Orchestra – North American premiere of a new program by Montreal-based Yiddish iconoclast, performed with a 19-piece jazz big band

Hartzedike-Lider – Duo of legendary Canadian Yiddish singer Allan Merovitz and guitarist/pianist Brian Katz, joined by special guest Jane Bunnett (sax, flute)

Aviva Chernick and La Serena Trio –  Beloved Toronto vocalist performs songs in Ladino, Hebrew, Yiddish and English, with her amazing ensemble (Joel Schwartz, Justin Gray, Naghmeh Farhamand), plus special guest Maryem Tollar