Shai Abramson back by popular demand

Two years on from Shai Abramson’s sold out shows in Australia, Israel’s chief chazan is coming back, and he says it feels less like a tour than a family reunion.

“The Australian Jewish community has a uniquely warm and welcoming energy that stays with you long after the final note is played,” he told The AJN via email prior to his upcoming trip. “For me, coming back feels less like just another concert and more like visiting family. I am genuinely looking forward to connecting with everyone once again.”

Abramson will perform in both Sydney and Melbourne next month.

“It is truly wonderful to be returning to Australia in supporting the vital work of the Joint Australia (JDC). This is my second time performing here and it’s an honour to do so,” he said. “In Israel JDC is a household name and I am incredibly excited to return and sing for the Joint and Israel.”

For Abramson, the chazanut was never the plan.

“We grew up in Jerusalem, and I went to the Great Synagogue for the High Holy Days. I sang in the choir and I liked it, but it was a hobby for me,” he told The AJN in 2024 ahead of his previous concert.

He served in the army, studied at university and worked in logistics and technology, until a friend asked him to sing a cantorial piece at an event honouring Benny Gantz. He chose the prayer for the State of Israel. Then-IDF chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi came onto the stage and told him, “Your voice is amazing and if you lack a horizon at Elram then you have one in chazanut with us.”

Abramson became chief chazan in 2008 and has since performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Chamber Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Ra’anana Simphonette and the IDF Orchestra. His repertoire runs from cantorial and classical through to Hebrew and Israeli songs, pop and rock.

He said the landscape has changed dramatically since he was last in Australia.

“There is no doubt that the global landscape feels heavier right now, and Jewish communities everywhere are navigating complex challenges. However, this only highlights how vital it is for us to come together,” he said of this year’s return. “When times are difficult, music serves as a powerful bridge, bringing people comfort and reminding us of our shared roots. Being here to perform at this moment is about much more than entertainment, it is about solidarity, unity, and showing our collective strength.”

Abramson will be joined at both concerts by cantor Brett Kaye. In Sydney he will also perform with the Chutney klezmer band and a group of local musicians under musical director Ben Adler, while in Melbourne he will be joined by the St Kilda Shule choir.

“Performing alongside my friend the exceptional cantor Brett Kaye, whom you all know so well, will make the evening even more special,” he said. “We have curated a beautiful selection of songs that blend the traditional and the contemporary, bringing the true spirit of Israel to the stage.

“Standing together, showing our solidarity, and simply being in the same room to support one another matters now more than ever,” he said. “I look forward to sharing a night of hope, unity and music with you all.”

Shai Abrahamson will be in concert in Melbourne on August 17. For tickets, visit: trybooking.com/1596926

Shai Abrahamson will be in concert in Sydney on August 13. For tickets, visit: events.humanitix.com/we-sing-as-one