Well-known for her work with Sephardic songs as both a performer and a scholar, Judith will sing many of the lesser-known Ladino treasures - from old ballads with mesmerizing stories to quirky songs from women's repertoires. We'll also hear songs from the Sephardic Diaspora over continents and centuries - Bulgaria, Quebec, "Yiddishland", Spain,  Portugal, medieval Iberia and more.

Judith will accompany herself on frame drums and medieval bowed vielle, joined on the 'oud and acoustic guitar by one of Toronto's favourite musicians: Aaron Lightstone, an innovative music therapist and leader of the award-winning ensemble Jaffa Road.

Dr. Judith Cohen is an ethnomusicologist, singer, and storyteller. Originally from Montreal, she has taught for many years at York University and divides her non-teaching time between Canada, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and wherever else research, conferences, concerts, fieldwork – and curiosity – lead her. A specialist in Sephardic music and music among the crypto-Jews of Portugal, she also works with Balkan, Franco-Canadian, Yiddish, and other traditions. She is the consultant for the Spanish collection of pre-eminent American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax.

Award-winning music therapist, musician, composer, educator, and researcher, Aaron Lightstone, will be accompanying Judith on the ‘oud and acoustic guitar. This is the first time Judith and Aaron have performed together in many years and they both look forward to sharing this musical evening with Darchei Noam.

Tickets are pay what you can.

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