Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner was Cantor Emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple; Conductor and Music Director of Lachan Jewish Chamber Choir; and part-time faculty member at Abraham Geiger College, Potsdam Germany.
A versatile Shliach Tzibbur and performer, Cantor Maissner mastered a variety of musical styles, from Jewish Renaissance and early Hebrew Art Music to contemporary Canadian, American and Israeli compositions. He performed around the world and was featured with several symphony orchestras. In June of 2020 Cantor Maissner retired after 41 years as Senior Cantor and Music Director of Holy Blossom Temple, in Toronto.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Cantorial Music, from Hebrew Union College, a Master’s degree in Music History, Voice and Performance, from Temple University, and honorary Doctorates from Hebrew Union College and Jewish Theological Seminary, the Cantor was a highly sought-after lecturer, teacher, coach, and mentor, with an encyclopedic knowledge of Jewish secular and liturgical music. He was the National Chair of the Certification Program of the American Conference of Cantors; Cantor-in-Residence at Hebrew Union College in New York, Cincinnati and Jerusalem; and a part-time lecturer and coach at Abraham Geiger College, in Germany.
In recognition of his contribution to the reconciliation between German Christians and Jews, and for restoring and preserving the Jewish musical heritage of Germany, Cantor Maissner was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Germany's highest civilian honour.
Beliefs
“The music belongs to the people, not to me. I’m just a vehicle to express the best that the people should be offered.”
“Cantorial music is similar to jazz, very improvisational within the boundaries of the prescribed mode.”
“Music is a powerful vehicle for breaking down barriers between people and combatting racism and Anti-Semitism.”
“A melody without words strives higher in devotion, rises to spheres that words cannot.”
Fun Facts
Beny liked to be called Beny.
At one time, Beny wanted to be an opera singer.
Beny composed some lovely melodies.
Beny rode a motorcycle.
Beny sang with the Grateful Dead, but didn’t know who they were.
Beny rubbed shoulders with Placido Domingo, Danny Kaye, Richard Tucker, and Jan Pearce.
Beny was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Germany’s highest civilian honour.
Beny held a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and an honorary Doctorate. His master’s degree was in voice and conducting.
Beny could cook, ski, play tennis, and ride a horse.
Beny starred in a movie called “A Coat of Many Colours” that was made for the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa.
Beny had a great sense of humour
