Menorah’s Choral Extravaganza

Three hundred Christians, Jews and Hindus joined their voices in a rousing finale of ‘Oseh Shalom’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ at the third multi-faith Choral Extravaganza held at Menorah Synagogue on Saturday night, as Gita Conn explains.

The packed shul – with a waiting list of would-be attendees – throbbed to the singing, dancing and music of the Manchester Airport Choir (famed for its appearance on television with Gareth Malone), the choir of Manchester Cathedral, ‘Voice’ – the Vedic Organisation for Indian Education and Culture and, of course, the Menorah Choir, led by its Musical Director, Ruti Worrall.

Welcoming the guests, Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky spoke of Menorah’s pride in its multi-faith activities which “help to build a society rooted in the values we all treasure by celebrating our wonderful diversity through music and dance”.

“Four choirs, all doing their own thing…but all giving the same message” added Chair, Hilary Thomas.

“Music transcends all boundaries” said Dr. Lal Bahn of the Hindu-Jewish Association, expressing his delight at participating in the event.

Also present were Dr Steve Williams of the Council for Christians and Jews and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism.

In an emotional ‘thank you’, Ruti Worrall spoke of the helplessness felt in “this angry and violent world. Maybe tonight, we have done a little bit by coming together from different backgrounds and religions to find understanding and friendship through music and art.”

The event was compered by David Cotton and organised, with Ruti, by Vicki Garson, Menorah’s Cultural Director and her team.