Spring/Summer 2010
Dear Friends,
The past year has been an exhilarating one for the Koffler. We brought Israeli superstar Kobi Oz to Canada for the first time, and he performed to a jam-packed, standing-room-only show at the Mod Club. More than 300 people attended the electrifying performance of the Koffler Chamber Orchestra at Temple Emanu-El. Who could forget dancing the night away at Jaffa Road’s sold out show at Lula Lounge? We opened the 33rd annual Jewish Book Fair to a full house, brought Israeli playwright and actor Robbie Gringras to Toronto for a stirring, emotional one-man play, and packed the Rivoli for our popular comedy night, Crackin’ Up. We capped off the year with an extended exhibition run of Joshua Neustein’s Margins at the Royal Ontario Museum. Over 30,000 visited the Koffler Gallery Off-Site exhibition, a new Koffler record!
As spring blossoms, so does the Koffler. We have so much in store this coming season. Kofflerstudio offers an amazing array of classes and workshops for all ages and interests. Everyone is welcome to make art at the Koffler, from beginners to seasoned artists.
Programs are as diverse as ever, from a ground-breaking Koffler Gallery exhibition at the Kiever Synagogue, to the innovative Russian-themed kofflerkultura; the distinguished Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Awards (May 27); and a brand new Jaffa Road concert with internationally renowned musician Yair Dalal (April 25). Don’t miss artist Melissa Shiff’s Cine-Seder Roundtable, a Passover Happening (March 23); our family festival, Mish Mash Art Bash (June 13); a night of laughter with superstar comedian, Elon Gold (July 6); and so much more.
This is a very exciting time for the future of the Koffler, part of the dramatic Tomorrow Campaign, one of the most ambitious not-for-profit building projects in Canada. A new, state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot Koffler Centre of the Arts will rise on Sherman Campus. Watch for news about the Koffler’s capital campaign in the coming months (www.tomorrowcampaign.com) and mark the date of October 14, 2010 for the return of the Stars of the 21st Century Gala.
Thanks to our Board of Directors, Trusteeship Council, the many families, individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies which support the Koffler and make all of what we do – and aspire to be – possible.
All of us at the Koffler – our staff, volunteers, faculty, and artists – invite you to be moved, be challenged, befriend. To arrive early to chat and stay late to share. I look forward to seeing you soon at the Koffler.
Lori Starr
Executive Director, Koffler Centre of the Arts