Sweet & Spicy: Schmaltz & Pepper Ignite The Leith Summer Festival Season Finale

The Leith Summer Festival will close out its 2026 season in spectacular fashion on Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m., when the celebrated quintet Schmaltz & Pepper takes the stage for an entertaining and energizing finale.

Schmaltz & Pepper was co-founded by clarinetist Eric Abramovitz, Principal Clarinet of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and violinist Rebekah Wolkstein, founder of the acclaimed Payadora Tango Ensemble. Together they lead a virtuosic five-piece band that re-imagines Eastern European Jewish folk tradition through a thrillingly contemporary lens. These “five outstanding virtuoso musicians” deliver “breathtaking artistry” (Ludwig-Van News Media Network), and “set to become a major force on the global scene” (Classical 96.3 FM). In 2026 the group won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Instrumental Composition.

“Come join us in the lustrous acoustic of Leith Church, set in the rolling hills of Grey County, and revel in this offering of wondrous music!” said Jeremy Bell, Artistic Director, Leith Summer Festival.

The Leith Summer Festival has built a reputation for pairing world-class musicianship with one of the most intimate and acoustically celebrated venues. Schmaltz & Pepper’s appearance sends the summer off with an unforgettable burst of energy.

About the Artists

Eric Abramovitz — clarinet, co-founder. Principal Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Rebekah Wolkstein — violin, co-founder. Founder, Payadora Tango Ensemble

Drew Jurecka — multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer. 2026 Grammy Award winner

Jeremy Ledbetter — piano. JUNO Award winner

Michael Herring — bass, composer. JUNO Award nominee

The Leith Summer Festival presents an annual series of concerts inside Historic Leith Church, a renovated pioneer church near Owen Sound on Georgian Bay renowned for its warm, intimate acoustics. Each season brings leading Canadian and international musicians to the Grey County countryside for an evening of world-class chamber music.

Event Details