Introducing Live at Toorak Synagogue
“I can’t wait to engage with the Melbourne community as the host of this incredible romantic program in the glorious acoustic of the Toorak synagogue,”
With the disruption to live entertainment over much of 2020 and 2021, many entertainers had to come up with creative solutions. So musically acclaimed Australian husband and wife, conductor Vladimir Fanshil and soprano Eleanor Lyons, decided to find places where they could share their music intimately with audiences.
Finding themselves in Sydney with their young family as COVID-19 lockdowns began, Fanshil and Lyons were unable to return to their adopted home of Vienna. They were determined, however, to preserve the spark of live music performance. What began as a modest project performing in lounge rooms to audiences of just 20 guests all over Sydney, Live at Yours has grown to include regional tours, the ACT and smaller venues including cafes, art galleries.
It has also grown to include performances at Sydney’s The Great Synagogue and Concert and Cake Sundays to appeal to younger ears.
And in a coup for the Melbourne community, Live at Yours will be coming to Toorak Synagogue, with the stunning shule opening its doors to the Jewish community and general public for this special concert.
Cellist Umberto Clerici and pianist Konstantin Shamray will be performing for one night only, playing the music of Rachmaninov and Bruch.
When announcing the concerts when they first launched in Sydney, Fanshil explained that they help unite the community.
“[They are] the perfect way to bring the Jewish community together over fine music,” he told The AJN. Fanshil said he is “thrilled” to be bringing the Live at Yours experience to Melbourne, especially with such high-calibre musicians as Clerici and Shamray.
“I can’t wait to engage with the Melbourne community as the host of this incredible romantic program in the glorious acoustic of the Toorak synagogue,” he said.
The program is ideal for first-time concertgoers as well as the most discerning music lover, and includes Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Rachmaninov’s colossal Cello Sonata in honour of the composer’s 150th birthday, plus a small surprise from the Toorak Synagogue choir.
“We are excited to open the doors of our synagogue to the broader public and share this unforgettable musical experience,” Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson from the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation said. “Music is a universal language that brings people together regardless of their backgrounds, and this concert is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the power of culture in our community. I am especially thrilled that the choir will be involved, adding their beautiful voices to the mix.”
Live at Toorak Synagogue offers the rare opportunity to visit this heritage listed building – with its beautiful acoustics and ambience – while enjoying a concert by world-class musicians.
Live at Toorak Synagogue is on Wednesday, May 24 at 7pm.
For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.au/e/live-at-toorak-synagogue-umberto-clerici-and-konstantin-shamray-tickets-157436463701
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