About Mark Fenster

Light through a Window

Mark “Mayer” Fenster was born in Montréal, Canada. Mayer means “he who sheds light” in Hebrew, and Fenster means “window” in Yiddish – thus “Light through a Window”.  Being the first child of two holocaust survivors inspired his deep love of life and wish for universal Peace & Harmony, Mark knew at a young age that music was his dream, and was soon asked to join his grade school choir. Shortly after, he learned to play piano, drums, guitar and started songwriting. Mark played with several bands in high school, and ultimately created a band of his own called Autumn which released his first record in 1977.

Mark continued his musical pursuits with musicians, producers and other people in the industry from around the world, while working towards an honours degree in psychology at York University in Toronto. He decided to take a break from his academics to work with his father in the family’s handbag company and developed a new luggage division. He eventually opened his own bag company which became the #1 ski and snowboard bag business in Canada within two years of opening. But this was not where Mark’s heart was…

Having received some interest from record and publishing companies for his songs and voice, Mark sold his business, moved to Vancouver in ’95 as a singer/songwriter and went head first into his dream. By the end of 1996 he was playing the role of Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, singing the anthems at GM place for the Grizzlies, and singing live on TV for the Variety Club Telethon. He then spent the next 9 years singing with the Vancouver Opera, composing scores for Jessie Award winning productions for Theatre la Seizieme and other theatre companies, as well as a few films and TV programs such as Wok with Yan. Mark also wrote, produced and engineered many projects in his own studio, wrote/produced songs with band members from April Wine and Luba, performed at various venues, and taught voice.

In 2001 Mark became a dad and decided that he should return to business so that he could offer a more stable lifestyle for his daughter, Zoe. He began designing and marketing computer bags and again found success with companies such as Apple Computers and Edirol. But music was pulling Mark back. Probably the greatest pull was from his daughter, whose angelic voice and truly incredible musical sense brought tears of Joy to Mark’s eyes and heart. It seemed the “stability” was right there at home all along.

Mark was invited to be the Music Director and lead the musical Services at North Vancouver’s Jewish Community Centre, and through this spiritual experience was inspired to compose the music of Cantoria. “What began as a simple, casual recording of a Sabbath Prayer evoked so many positive and inspiring comments, and together these elements innocently and profoundly led us to look more deeply, ultimately guiding us along a most beautiful Spiritual, musical path– Cantoria was born”.

Namaste,
Mark Fenster