Abraham Nordheimer

Biography

Abraham Nordheimer (February 24, 1816 – January 18, 1862) was a German Jewish-Canadian musician, merchant, and music publisher who established Canada's first publishing house specializing in music. Born in Memmelsdorf, he emigrated to New York City in 1839 with his brother Samuel. Nordheimer moved to Kingston in 1842, becoming the first Jew in the area, where he began teaching music and opened a store selling sheet music and musical instruments. In 1844, he opened a music store in Toronto with his brother, publishing Canadian compositions and selling instruments. He played the piano and sang, and served as second violin for the Toronto Philharmonic Society. Nordheimer contributed to Canadian musical culture by inviting famous performers and establishing a concert hall in Montreal. He also helped establish a Jewish cemetery in Toronto and died in Bamberg at the age of 45.

Highlights

• First music publisher in Canada.
• Opened a music store in Toronto in 1844.
• Contributed to the establishment of a concert hall in Montreal.
• Played piano and sang for the Toronto Philharmonic Society.
• Helped establish a Jewish cemetery in Toronto.

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