West London Synagogue to host world-famous orchestra for 175th birthday

by Stephen Oryszczuk

The UK’s oldest progressive synagogue is celebrating its 175th birthday with a performance from one of the world’s most famous period instrument ensembles.

A concert by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) at West London Synagogue on Sunday 22 November will feature soloists Rachel Podger (Violin), Lisa Beznosiuk (Flute), and Frances Kelly (Harp), in a programme of Bach, Haydn and Mozart.

The shul’s renowned acoustics, together with its Italian-Moorish architecture, will provide the backdrop to the orchestra’s first-ever performance in a Jewish place of worship.

WLS Senior Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger said: “We are delighted to be welcoming this exceptional orchestra to our glorious Sanctuary – the very heart of our community – and to witness first-hand what all the fuss is about, and why the OAE attracts superlative reviews wherever it performs.”