A Second Generation of Polish-Lithuanian descent
Florence "Singer" Shustack, affectionately called
Faigele or Feygele, first heard the Yiddish language as her mother
Mira Goldschmidt-Weinholtz, sang soft and sweetly
the lullabies, accompanying herself on the mandolin.
Having survived two concentration camps, Florence’s
mother, born in Vilna, instilled in her a deep sense of pride in her
religion, determination in her faith, love for family,
friends and community and an obligation and spiritual
purpose to keep their heritage and tradition alive
through their gifts of music and song. This inspiration
was to be passed on to Florence’s children,
Aaron and Miriam.

Mira Goldschmidt-Weinholtz

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Flo developed a passion
for music and theatre. She enjoyed performing in a
duet with her sister, Lisa . During McGill University
Flo sang regularly at Montreal’s Golem Coffeehouse
and the DeSola Club.

Moving to Calgary, Alberta in 1979, Flo immersed
herself in the Calgary Jewish Community. She danced
and co-founded in the Nitzanim Israeli Folk Dance
Troupe, taught Jewish Music to the Jewish Centre
Day Care, presented regular Shabbat programs at
the Beverly Centre Nursing Home, acted in Beth Israel
Players Productions, served as co-musical director
for a Hadassah-Wizo Youth Aliyah production entitled
& The Magical Mitzvah Tour, co-founded and sang
in the Jewish Community and Beth Tzedec High
Holiday Choirs, served as Cultural Arts Chairperson
at the Jewish Centre for many years and helped to
organize City Hall Candle-Lighting Ceremonies.

Flo integrated a Jewish presence into the Folk Music
Festival Circuit , has been involved with Calgary Arts
And Culture and the Folk Arts Council, and she has
performed for literally every Jewish organization in town.

In 1992, Flo founded the Take the OY Train
Klezmer Ensemble, which has since performed at
countless festivals, holiday celebrations, fundraisers,
cabarets and private functions. The group has been
featured on CBC Radio and Shaw Cable Television.
Flo has also been involved with the larger musical
community, singing with many prominent orchestras
and party-show bands, both in Calgary and also in
Edmonton. Flo was honoured in 2002 with the Jewish
Family Service President's Award, for outstanding
musical contributions and talents. Flo is a songstress
with clear, pure and rich Jewish vocal stylings. She
is filled with a rare spirit, soul and depth. Her stage
presence and engaging personality enhances every
special function, festival and concert platform.

Flo in traditional Israeli-Yemenite dress,
a gift from Mrs. Ida Eichler.

Flo with Vicky Nani, Israeli and jazz singer from Har-hanegev,
Israel, in Luxembourg August 2003.

Flo with Bruria and Leon Pollak, bandleader and violinmaster of
the Ensemble Klesmer Wien, in Vienna, Austria, August 2003.


Flo with Michel Borzykowski of Klezmer Band "Hotgezugt"
here in Geneva, Switzerland, August 2003.

Flo with internationally renowned and acclaimed stage,
screen and recording artist, Mike Burstyn,
at the 2004 Calgary Negev Dinner. 

Flo with Fredy Zaugg, clarinetist, of the Klezmer group
Klezmer Pau Wau, here in Bern, Switzerland, July 2006.

Flo with Rabbi Jordan Ofseyer at the concert of
Marvin Hamlisch and Cantor Alex Stein
Tuesday, June 9th 2009, Beth Tzedec Synagogue

Contact Flo: (403) 397-6737
Or E-mail: florencesinger@shaw.ca



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