Voices adds Sydney to its thrilled list
The Voices spectacular thrilled two sell-out audiences in Sydney last week, following two equally successful earlier performances in Perth and Melbourne. All were greeted by standing ovations by an enthusiastic, cheering audience…
Photo: Nadine Saacks
And no wonder!
Star of the show, Oshy Tugendhaft was in as fine form as ever, alternately crooning songs like the Carlebach classic ‘M’kimi’, singing out operatically (‘Mi Mancherai’) or belting the peace prayer ‘Lo Teda Milchama’.
Backed by the splendid Celebration Singers and their leader Joel Sacher, Oshy and key soloists (Ivor Joffe, Ezra Sher and angelic local young star Levi Niasoff) the program soared and roared, crept and wept…
Star turns from talented boy group Black Yoghurt (Donovan Yaards, Itu Tshabane, Sean McGrath) were a definite highlight as they sang and danced their way into our hearts with nostalgic African lullabies like ‘Thula Baba’, pop classics like Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” (including a sensational surprise tap routine from Simeon Angel!), Hebrew standards, Broadway hits, opera and more.
Among the many moving moments were musical tributes to legendary singer Johnny Clegg (currently gravely ill) and their late friend and colleague, Ray Joffe – driving force of the Johannesburg Jewish Male Choir and in later years Kehillat Masada in Sydney’s north.
Literally pulling the musical strings from the keyboard was maestro Bryan Schimmel, an outstanding musician in his own right, leading a band of superb musicians. His arrangements and talent underscored the night and his infectious joy and passion for the music was plain to see.
It was significant that Voices raised funds for worthy local causes: Friendship Circle, Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, Caulfield Shule and the UIA.
Plaudits to rest of the creative team (including Jeanne Zaidel Rudolph and Owen Lonzar) and kol ha kavod to the Australian team who managed this immense project so successfully… Ian Charif, Jodi Kofsky, Lawrence Jackson, Helen Brustman, Lewis Chiat, Janine Wolman, Brian Rosmarin, Jacqui Kopelowitz, Jennie Kofsky, Maxine Appel-Cohen and co… hats off all!
Photos: Nadine Saacks
