New Venue for Sydney
North Shore Temple Emanuel is opening its newly refurbished Valerie Jaye function centre and will celebrate by showcasing its performance mode – to be known as ‘VJ’s’ – with an exciting new concert series.
Launching the new venue will be saxophone virtuoso Mark Ginsburg with his outstanding jazz quartet featuring Greg Coffin on piano, Karl Dunnicliff on bass and Tim Firth on drums.
The Chatswood congregation has undertaken spectacular renovations as part of its Jubilee Year activities. The celebration of 50 years since its foundation honours those who first built the community and at the same time aims to create a centre that will service future generations in both practicality and elegance.
NSTE plans to host many arts events there ranging from music to small theatre, dance and more.
Mark Ginsburg
According to Mark Ginsburg, who is an active member of the North Shore community and has taken on the direction of the initial concert season, VJ’s has been purpose-designed not only to welcome simchas but also as a cultural centre for artistic endeavours.
“It now has a lovely grand piano, good sound system and a great ambience for audiences,” he said. “I want to establish a jazz series in 2011. Our plans are not only relevant to the Jewish Community but potentially to the broader local community as well. Activities are intended to include secular, interfaith and cross-denominational interest groups and audiences. The Chatswood Musical Society already uses NSTE as their regular rehearsal venue (we collaborated with them on the recent hit production of Children of Eden).”
At the opening of VJ’s, the Mark Ginsburg Band will perform music from their successful debut album “Generations”, based on his Masters of Music research into links between traditional cantorial singing and contemporary jazz improvisation. They will also premiere some exciting new material leading up to their appearance at the prestigious Wangaratta Jazz Festival in November.
Joining them for this concert as guest vocalist is Judy Campbell. Judy is the Music Director at NSTE. She also leads her own band, MOSAIC, which has toured extensively in Australia and overseas, featuring Kenyan master percussionist, Bandika Ngao. Judy was the Musical Director for the recent production of Children of Eden.
“We want to bring contemporary / creative music to the North Shore, which has been starved of good venues compared with the City and the East,” added Mark.
“We’re confident this show will build momentum for future events.”
