Chris Kupka

Peggy Sakow, a longtime member of BCAM, initiated a benefit concert for BCAM held on November 15th at the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim. Together with the Shaar’s Director of Music, Stephen Glass, they developed and presented, “All the Things You Are”, an evening designed to pay tribute in song and music to mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters, and to recognize the work of Breast Cancer Action Montreal.
It was an intimate concert, showcasing the artists who volunteered their time to sing for our cause. We enjoyed hearing the singing of Father Erik Oland, SJ, Cantor Gideon Y. Zelermyer, the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Choir, Patrick Olafson, and John Tessier, and listening to the piano and violin duo of Berta and Luis Grinhauz. The repertoire spanned folk songs from New Brunswick, sacred music from the Shaar’s cantor and choir, operatic themes and Argentinean tango. A mix of solo, choral and instrumental numbers kept the appreciative audience applauding throughout the evening with more than one “bravo!” after a performance, and a standing ovation for all as the concert ended. Between performers, three BCAM members – Maychai Brown, Fiona Hanley and Rosanne Cohen – spoke passionately about our organization and what its message and mission means to them.

On behalf of BCAM, I want to express our gratitude to all of the diverse singers, musicians and accompanists that gave so graciously of their time and talents to make the evening such a pleasure. Our thanks also to the Sisterhood of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim for sponsoring the event; to Indra Singh, graphic artist; to Ruth Gover and her husband, Jacques Thibault, for donating the flowers for the performers; and to an anonymous donor for providing a spectacular sweet table. Shalom!