Building on a life-long love of musical arts,
Canadian Mezzo Soprano Eleanor ("Ellie") Glantz has, during the last decade, developed a thriving and vibrant musical presence in the community. Whether through the soulful rendition of song and prayer for Jewish Liturgy, through her powerful interpretation of classical soloist repertoire, or through her collaborative musical efforts as a member of concert & operatic ensembles, Eleanor brings an authentic and potent presence to liturgy and the stage. Inspiring, and spiritually activating, her signature blend of traditional and contemporary musical styles resonates to the core of one’s being.
Eleanor's newest and most potent collaboration is with Pianist / Tenor / Director Peter Pundy. The duo, born of an incidental meeting and chance cooperation on a minor musical project, has blossomed well beyond its simple beginnings. The combination of their respective musical gifts does not explain the remarkable result of their work together. With both the common ground of shared understanding and the counterpoint of individuality, the Glantz / Pundy partnership is alive with energy, depth of character, and captivating simplicity.
The duo is presently exploring the depths of contemporary classical Jewish music surrounding Reform Judaism ritual and liturgy. The particular genre, which includes the works of notable composers like Herbert Fromm, Max Janowski, Louis Lewandowski, Bonia Shur, and Ben Steinberg, strikes a chord with both Glantz and Pundy.
Glantz recalls, "As a child, I would listen to the choir or the cantor singing in a huge wooden dome sanctuary, the wondrous light streaming in through the windows at the top, and I would weep, thinking surely this was the place where G-d lived. This music was my direct connection to The Divine. It was a distant dream that one day I would be singing our history and sharing this sacred music. It's a huge responsibility to concern oneself with such things, and yet such a honor – something I'm thankful for each and every day."
Pundy continues, "Liturgical music is, in many ways, the most demanding of musics, and consequently more rewarding. It's no accident that so many of history's great musical works have been created in a religious context. Beautiful music is not enough (and can actually be a liability). Sacred texts with lesser music end up diminished. But when all the ingredients come together – when you find the work of a master who can balance text, music, and intricate form, all with an appropriate sense of humility and authenticity in the presence the Divine Mystery – that's music you must acknowledge, music with impact, music you just can not ignore!"
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