Jacob Siskind

May his memory be for a blessing.
It was an honor to have him as a guest
at Congregation Beth Shalom's first Cantorial Concert in 1990. He was thrilled to be there to enjoy the offerings of operatic and cantorial fare. He will be missed by many singers and musicians in Ottawa who were so appreciative of his astute and perceptive appraisals of their art. Yehi zichron baruch, lifnei al kisei Hashem.

Jacob Siskind was the pre-eminient music critic until the Star closed down and he left Montreal for Ottawa. Their gain was our inestimable loss. I deeply regret his passing and recall Mr. Siskind as a wonderful, erudite man who enriched my knowledge with his gifted writing. He will always be remembered by his faithful readers, myself among them.
Deepest sympathies to his family.

Artists and critics are not supposed to be friends, but I considered Jacob a friend. He was always very astute and fair with me. I sought his advice early in my career, and he was generous with his wisdom. I also called upon him when I was working on a rather obscure piece and could not find a recording. Jacob of course had several. I spent a marvellous afternoon in his listening room surrounded by thousands of records.

I am grateful for everything I learned from him. Thank you Jacob.

In the first few minutes that I met Mr. Siskind, he dazzled my child's imagination not only with music, but also with his virtuostic demonstration of the yoyo. In the last hour of our last visit, his eyes lit up like big happy crescent moons with enjoyment of a memory. He shared a mountain range of ideas that will take a lifetime to figure out. He nurtured appreciation of truly wonderful things, and was a gentleman. He will be in my heart forever.

"Music, when soft voices die
Vibrates in the memory -"
Jacob Siskind was the perfect master of ceremonies - his consummate reviews shall be dearly missed.
May he rest in peace.

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Jacob. Not only was he my paino teacher, he was a mentor, especially when I was sriting my doctorate thesis. The lessons he taught me will live on.