Rachmaninov and Bruch at Toorak Synagogue
For one evening in May, Melbourne’s Toorak Synagogue will be transformed into a concert hall.
Toorak Synagogue is opening its doors to the public for this special concert featuring the music of Rachmaninov and Bruch performed by cellist Umberto Clerici and pianist Konstantin Shamray.
Live at Yours founder and director Vladimir Fanshil says he is “thrilled to bring the Live at Yours experience to Melbourne for the first time with two of Australia’s most exhilarating musicians. 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.”
Toorak Synagogue
The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson said: “We are excited to open the doors of our Synagogue to the broader public and share this unforgettable musical experience. 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.”
Vladimir Fanshil is well-experienced in bringing classical music into a synagogue. His productions housed in Sydney’s The Great Synagogue have been sell-outs.
A gifted cello soloist, orchestral musician and now conductor, Umberto Clerici is currently Chief Conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He began his career as a virtuoso cellist making his solo debut at the age of 17 performing Haydn’s D Major cello concerto in Japan. After years of performing in the world’s most prestigious concert halls, Umberto was Principal cello of the Teatro Regio di Torino, and from 2014-2021 he was Principal Cello of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Concert pianist Konstantin Shamray burst onto the international music scene when he won both Judges’ and People’s Choice prizes at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2008. Since then, he has enjoyed critical acclaim for his performances with orchestras and chamber music groups around the world. In between his busy international touring schedule, he is completing his PhD studies at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music where he is also a Lecturer in Piano.
Vladimir will present a program 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.
Vladimir Fanshil and his wife, opera singer Eleanor Lyons, founded Live at Yours which offers intimate concerts in keeping with the Covid restrictions at that time and have since expanded to work with other new and unusual venues.
Children 6+ are welcome to attend.
LIVE AT TOORAK SYNAGOGUE
Wednesday 24 May, 7.00PM AEDT
8 Toorak Rd, South Yarra (corner of St Kilda Rd)
Minutes from the tram stop #22 on St Kilda Rd
Tickets are on sale now, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/live-at-toorak-synagogue-umberto-clerici-and-konstantin-shamray-tickets-157436463701
Wonderful he wasn’t anti-Semic rife during those timelines his music well placed to presented in any Synagogue.
In my personal opinion.