A Musical Tribute To The Great Leonard Cohen Via Patricia O’Callaghan 

November 11, 2016 by Masterclass Lady 4 Comments


Leonard Cohen

Such a sad way to end the week, isn’t it?

With the passing of one of most iconic and revolutionary musicians of our lifetime – Leonard Cohen, many music lovers from every walk of life have come together to celebrate his legacy.  

Leonard Cohen died on November 7th, 2016 at the age of 82 at his home in Los Angeles; however, his death was not announced until November 10th.  A memorial is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles at a future date. 

Born in Westmount, Quebec,  this Canadian songwriter was a poet extraordinaire, one who penetrated his soul to create musical narrations that touched and moved us to the core.  His vision held no bounds;  he explored religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships, which he then shared through his inspirational musical compostions. 

He is best known for his song, “Hallelujah“, which has been covered and interpreted more times than I can remember, with  many unique renditions out there.  I first became aware of “Hallelujah” when one of my former students, Patricia O’Callaghan,  featured it on her first CD. 

However, my favourite Cohen numbered is “Alexandra Leaving“, which I featured in a MasterClass Monday article last year. Once again, the  singer is cabaret star Patricia O’Callaghan,  who has made it her life’s mission to bring Leonard Cohen’s songs to the forefront.

In the article I said:

“Personally, when listening to this song, I think of love lost – more specifically people who have died and entered the spiritual world. The poignancy of this song, the emotion, the message – it moves me to tears.”

And so, it seems like the perfect song to remember and celebrate the musical legacy of the great Leonard Cohen. 

You can read the full article HERE and below I have embedded the “Alexandra Leaving” video for you to enjoy.  

Also, make sure you tune into Apple Music HERE and have a listen to the best of Leonard Cohen, featuring both “Hallelujah” and “Alexandra Leaving“.  

Plus you can listen to Patricia O’Callaghan’s version of “Hallelujah” HERE and “Alexandra Leaving” HERE. 

Leonard Cohen
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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4 Responses to “A Musical Tribute To The Great Leonard Cohen Via Patricia O’Callaghan ”

  1. jrzgrl1 November 12, 2016 at 12:51 am

    Her voice is so beautiful – thanks for sharing her with us, MCL. RIP Leonard.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. hunter November 13, 2016 at 10:55 am

    mcl, i don’t know if you watch saturday night live. i just watched this video. there were words in here that made me cry..as ‘hillary’ sang it:

    http://people.com/tv/kate-mckinnon-tears-up-while-paying-tribute-to-hillary-clinton-in-moving-snl-cold-open/

    Like

  3. hunter November 13, 2016 at 10:59 am

    p.s., ‘i did my best, it wasn’t enough, hallelujah’…

    Like

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