Aussie talent at Israel’s party
FOLLOWING its success last year, Victoria's Yom Ha'atzmaut annual gala concert will again focus on home-grown talent.
DALIA SABLE
FOLLOWING its success last year, Victoria’s Yom Ha’atzmaut annual gala concert will again focus on home-grown talent.
Traditional favourites, including singer Brett Kaye and the Central Shule choir, will join more contemporary beats from DJ Benny B, the first DJ to take part in the show. A 20-piece orchestra will also feature, in addition to performers on the bongos and oud, a middle-Eastern string instrument.
“There will be something for everybody,” concert producer and executive director of the Zionist Council of Victoria, Ginette Searle said of the April 19 show. “We are looking forward to what will be a very jubilant and exciting night.”
Past musical director Adam Starr will return to the role once again, however he has been conducting meetings and rehearsals over Skype from Jerusalem, having moved to Israel for the year.
He will return to Melbourne a week-and-a-half before the concert to continue rehearsing, this time on a face-to-face basis.
Sydney performer Natalie Gamsu with, what Searle called, her “amazingly, powerful voice” will headline the concert, while Deborah Leiser-Moore will return as show director and Guy Dvir-Ovadia as audio-visual producer and choreographer.
With the audience always keen to get involved, Searle said there will be a sing-a-long segment lead by visiting emissaries from Israel and musician Alana Bruce, who will encourage the audience to be a part of the show.
“This is how our community celebrates Israel and Yom Ha’atzmaut,” Searle said. “We always need to get behind and support Israel. This is how we celebrate the relationship between Australian Jews and Israel.”
The backdrop of the concert will feature video footage shot by Dvir-Ovadia on a recent trip to Israel. Other video clips will include surprise tributes and messages from some of Israel’s most famous people.
It will be the last year the concert is held at the Art’s Centre’s Hamer Hall for a number of years due to renovation plans. With tickets currently on sale, Searle said the booking system couldn’t be easier.
www.zcv.org.au; Tickets: www.theartscentre.com.au; 1300 182 183.
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