Sound and Sense: Jewish Music @York: The Jacob Gorzhaltsan Quartet

The Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies and the Department of Music in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design are proud to present are proud to present The Jacob Gorzhaltsan Quartet.

The Jacob Gorzhaltsan Quartet is a contemporary jazz ensemble brought together by Juno-nominated Toronto-based woodwind player, Jacob Gorzhaltsan. Blending a variety of sounds from around the world, the J-Gor Quartet primarily focuses on performing Jacob’s original compositions, as well as showcasing songs by the artists that helped shape his sound (eg. Eli Degibri, Avishai Cohen, Idan Raichel, Omer Avital to name a few). Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Jacob’s music is heavily influenced by his roots and the sounds of the Israeli-Jazz scene, as well as Klezmer/Jewish-music, classical traditions and Middle-eastern folk melodies. The band strives to bridge the connection between the musicians and listeners, with an emphasis on interaction, musical dialogue, and a special focus on melody. The Jacob Gorzhaltsan Quartet features the virtuosity, mastery and creativity of Noam Lemish, Bret Higgins, and Eric West (all of whom are Juno-nominated and acclaimed musicians in their own right).

“Sound and Sense: Jewish Music @ York” is a performance and lecture series dedicated to showcasing the multicultural diversity of Jewish musical expression as well as the ongoing intersections between Jewish and non-Jewish musical practices and communities. The initiative is driven by an inclusive philosophy that believes in the power of music to serve as a bridge-builder and a vehicle for cultural exchange and dialogue.

The series has been made possible via the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation.

Sunday, February 8, 2026
Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre
3:00 p.m.
FREE 
Register here