From Toronto, Mitch Smolkin has toured the world performing as an actor and singer. This past year, he held concerts in five countries, highlights of which included a tour of South America, Israel, the United States and Canada including a milestone performance at the Glenn Gould Studio at the CBC. He has shared the stage with such notable performers as Mandy  Patinkin, Jerry Stiller, Theodore Bikel, Bibi Neuwirth and more than one puppet from Sesame Street. In 2008, Mitch Smolkin released his debut album A Song Is Born. It was called "the most exciting, inventive, beautiful, and just plain interesting Yiddish album in years" by Ari Dovidow at the Klezmershack. He was the Artistic Director of the internationally renowned Ashkenaz Festival from 2001 – 2006 and is currently an artistic associate with Harbourfront Centre, Canada’s largest  cultural presenter.

Nina Shapilsky, accompanist

Nina Shapilsky is one of Russia’s most esteemed pianists who have made Toronto her home for close to 20 years.  She has had a remarkable international career, receiving the order of Russia as a distinguished artist. Presently, she is a pianist for the National Ballet of Canada and a busy musician composing for television and film as well as performing alongside numerous artists.