For its spring fundraiser, The Friends of the Maltz Museum has put together a high-energy evening of entertainment. The volunteer group that raises funds to advance the nonprofit’s mission is showcasing some incredibly talented musicians with “The Three Cantors” on Wednesday, May 28 at 7pm. “I was watching “The Three Tenors” for some reason and I thought, ‘We have some really great, well-known cantors in Cleveland, why not create an event that highlights their vocal abilities?’” says Friends president Jeff Kaplan. He put a call out for performers and Cantor Kathryn Wolfe Sebo of The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Cantor Misha Pisman of The Park Synagogue and cantorial soloist Laura Lindauer of Suburban Temple – Kol Ami enthusiastically offered to lend their voices to the program.
But, although the performers are all affiliated with temples and synagogues in the area, “The Three Cantors” has a decidedly secular bent. Vocalists were asked to pick their own music—selections that could range from Broadway to opera. “With that incredible tenor voice I’m sure Misha Pisman could do a mean “Danny Boy” if he was so inclined,” says Kaplan chuckling. “They are coming up with some incredible stuff.”
Each performer first appears as a soloist, then slide into duets and group numbers. They’ll be accompanied by Marshall Griffith, who has performed with the The Ohio Chamber Orchestra, The Cleveland Pops and The Suburban Symphony. He is also on the faculty of The Cleveland Institute of Music where he teaches music theory and jazz improvisation. “He’s one of the best pianists in Northeast Ohio so if there is a jazz club or somewhere in the area to play improvisational piano, I am sure Marshall has appeared there,” says Kaplan.
Kaplan believes “The Three Cantors” will be a powerful and engaging performance with diverse appeal. The vocalists have impressive musical pedigrees and a wide range of performing experience—from touring productions of light musical theater to classical performances on national stages. “I’ve met with these folks and they are delightful. Not only do they have amazing talent and broad musical backgrounds, but they are just a riot.”
This is a unique opportunity to hear area cantors perform together. “The last time I know that cantors performed as a group publicly was several years ago at Severance Hall,” says Kaplan. “Who knows? Maybe they get together in back rooms and sing, but it’s not something the public gets to experience very often.”
Kaplan has been told the evening will end with a very moving and uplifting song in Hebrew. “I’m sure the audience can jump to their feet and sing along if they know the words.”
For tickets, call 216.593.0575 or visit maltzmuseum.org.
