Stars shine at
“An Inspiring Evening of Song and Dance”
“An Inspiring Evening of Song and Dance”
By
Cindy Davis
It’s not uncommon these days to see a
Leanord Cohen song performed in tribute to the remarkable late artist. But on
the evening of November 15, guests at a benefit concert held at the Shaare Zion
Congregation in Montreal were treated to a very special rendition of Hallelujah.
The concert, held in support of The Centre
for the Arts in Human Development at Concordia University, featured
performances by past and present students of the program, all with special
needs. Cohen’s Hallelujah was
performed by Robbie Zunenshine and Joshua Benlolo, accompanied by guest
musician Jason Rosenblatt on keyboard, and it was not only sung perfectly, but
had everyone in the crowd singing along and visibly moved.
A unique program in Canada, The Centre for
the Arts in Human Development is an educational, clinical, training and
research centre for individuals with developmental disabilities and other
special needs, that promotes personal development through creative art therapy
programs. Through art, drama, music and dance, students learn how to better
express themselves creatively to enable them to reach their full potential. The
program is in high demand, admitting only 20 students every two years and currently
has a waiting list.
If the performances at the November 15
concert are any indication, the talent pool at the Centre is overflowing.
Performances included an interpretive dance number to Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop the Feeling, a performance of
an original composition called Never Want
to Let You Go, an homage to the Beatles and more. Special guest performers included Cantors
Adam Stotland and Daniel Benlolo.
The collaboration between the Shaare Zion
and the Centre formed several years ago when Eleanor Diamond, president of the
Shaare Zion Sisterhood, attended a performance by the Centre at another venue
and wanted to get involved. The synagogue Sisterhood has been sponsoring this
event ever since. In an emotional speech, Diamond said that this is a cause
about which she is passionate, and that throughout the years, she has seen
major changes in the participants’ lives through the Centre.
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| Lenore Vosberg presents a gift to Eleanor Diamond at Shaare Zion Congregation. |
“This is a great community outreach event,”
said Lenore Vosberg, co-founder and director of Clinical Services and Public
Outreach for the Centre. “It’s a wonderful way for us to put out our message
that everybody has gifts and something to share.”
“We are educating, demystifying, and
showcasing their abilities,” added Miranda D’Amico, co-founder of the Centre.
Miranda D’Amico, Lenore
Vosberg and Stephen Snow, co-directors of the Centre – Miranda and Stephen are
co-directors of research at CAHD in Montreal.
It was a wonderful evening in celebration
of a very special centre. Congratulations to everyone involved!
