At a difficult time, ‘Shir – Songs of Hope’ unites Sydney in music
A sense of anticipation filled Sydney Town Hall on October 6th as nearly 2,000 people gathered for the debut of Shir – Songs of Hope, marking the inaugural Australian Jewish Music Festival.
Shir Pic: Rob Klein
This concert promised a journey through powerful music and shared reflection, making for an unforgettable evening.
The timing of the event was especially poignant, not only because it was the eve of the anniversary of the attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, but it was held in the period of Teshuvah, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The concert featured over 20 performances showcasing Sydney’s extraordinary musical talent, with a blend of Jewish and Israeli music that resonated deeply with the audience. The repertoire reflected on themes of grief, hope, and the meaning of home, each piece striking a powerful chord within the community.
Among the evening’s highlights was a soul-stirring performance of Ravel’s Kaddish, featuring world-renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi and the haunting strains of Ben Adler on violin. The moving rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables by Cantor Mordechai Levin and Eden Shivroni captivated the audience, as did Sarit Michael’s poignant performance of October Rain and the ensemble’s rendition of Habayta (“Bring Them Home”).
As the evening progressed, the performances grew increasingly intense and inspiring. Highlights included phenomenal Israeli guitarist Noy Ben Ami and Sarit Michael performing Shmor Al HaOlam Yeled (“Take Care of the World, Child”), and Ilan Kidron’s beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, accompanied by his mentor Eddie Bronson on piano accordion. The showstopper was an exhilarating performance of Am Yisrael Chai by Noy Ben Ami, Nikki Stanislav, and Sarit Michael, which brought the entire audience to their feet, singing along with delight and pride. The evening concluded with the ensemble’s moving rendition of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, a fitting tribute to the spirit of the event.
The concert was held together by the talented ensemble, including the wonderful Chutney band, Rafi Owen, and the accomplished singer Lara Goodridge. The evening’s MC, Michaela Kalowski, provided eloquent background and insights into each piece and performer, enhancing the audience’s experience.
This extraordinary event was made possible by a dedicated team of young volunteers, led by Ben Adler with Slava Inberg, Britt Foetschl, Lara Goodridge, and Aliza Waxman. Ben also gave special thanks to Rabbi Alon Meltzer, Shalom, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, and the Australian Jewish News for their support. Their combined efforts delivered an unforgettable evening that celebrated the unity of the community and its enduring love for Israel.
I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organizing and performing in the “Songs of hope” presentation. It was world class. But more than that musicians and singers sang and played with reverence and humility as offering prayer up to Adonai, very mindful of the bitter sweet evening and remembrance of all victims of the massacre and those yet to return from
Captivity, in addition to the IDF. I travelled down from the Blue Mountains and it was well worth the travel. The singing of “Advance Australia Fair” two verses was so moving and sung with such gusto and loud I am sure it was heard in Katoomba!! I don’t understand and am disgusted by the anti semetism shown towards the Jewish community in Australia. Please be assured there are many Christians that stand with you against anti semetism. I have copped my share of attack and hatred for being outspoken in support of Jewish people and speaking out against it. Stay strong and continue to persevere. You are on the winning side and I know you know Adonai is fighting for you.
Kind regards
Lorraine
sounds like an absolutely wonderful event. can they come to Melbourne?