A Musical Night to Remember

There were two significant events that happened in London last night. One was the LBC Leaders debate where polls suggested a Farage victory and the more important event being the Central Synagogue’s concert showcasing the Royal Academy of Music’s top students.

The first half was totally uplifting with the clarinet soloist , Mathew Scott, joined by the Demerge Quartet in a beautiful rendition of Mozart’s Quintet for Clarinet. The standing ovation was the only possible response to a world-class rendition.

The beauty and acoustical sound of the Synagogue showed what potential this venue has to become a classical venue to be reckoned with in London and this is very much the thinking behind a string of concerts planned for the year ahead.

Guests were treated to wine and drinks in the downstairs hall and then a total change in mood.

World famous impresario Harvey Goldsmith welcomed the attendees and said how great it was to see the Royal Academy joining together with Central Synagogue, both of which he has strong ties to.He encouraged guests to get involved in this synagogue initiative and praised the work so far.

The audience were then treated to a 45 minute best of musical theatre half, with 4 vocalists and a pianist/director/singer. Songs included such diverse songs as “We will Rock you “ , ”Chess”, “Summer Loving” from Grease, Ratpack , Jersey Boys and other.

The show ended with a cameo appearance from Steven Leas, cantor of Central Synagogue who sang a brilliant rendition of a Yiddish song called “Mamele”.

People walked out of the synagogue venue feeling uplifted and happy unlike the other big event on Radio.