Noteworthy: Laurane Schultz Began A Winnipeg Musical Dynasty

Myron initially played the piano and violin, but made the switch to clarinet. He was first introduced to Klezmer music after joining the orchestra of the Chai Folk Ensemble in 1975. Myron and Victor helped co-found the klezmer band Finjan. They toured North America during the 1980s and 1990s. The group’s activities slowed, but never stopped completely. 

Their six members reunited in 2012 for a 30th anniversary concert at the Mameloshen Festival of Yiddish Entertainment and Culture in Winnipeg, and in 2013 at the Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto. The group’s recording, Dancing on Water, highlights Victor Schultz’ solo violin rendition of Haneros Halelu.  

For the Canadian Music Centre, Victor’s recording “Jete” features fellow Canadian composers Patrick Carrabre, Gerhard Ginader, James Hiscott, Michael Matthews, Sid Robinovitch and Bruce Shavers. 

Myron and Victor also helped form the North End Klezmer Product, which morphed into its current incarnation, The Black Sea Station, which Myron referred to as “our post-post Finjan band.” The group includes Vancouver’s Grammy Award winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer Ben Mink, Winnipeg multi-instrumentalist Daniel Koulack (also of Finjan) and Moldovan-American accordionist Nicolai Prisacar. And later they formed the Mayors of Sambor. 

An active freelance musician, Victor Schultz has recorded and toured extensively as a violin soloist. Myron has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and has recorded with Chava Alberstein, Bruce Cockburn, Leaf Rapids and k.d. lang. 

Lois told the Winnipeg Free Press, “Mom put us out there… She created the next generation. But then, when that job of hers was done, she started finding out that she had lots of other interests.”  

Pice reports, “Giving, welcoming and patient, (Laurane) Schultz was more than a piano prodigy, her children say, she led by example. “You treat all people with kindness and care and respect,” Victor said. “Our parents embodied this.” Laurane Schultz passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 25, 2020.