KESHET EILON is a strings music college situated in the kibbutz itself, very close to the Lebanese border. Focussing on Master Courses and Master Classes it has in the last 28 years built up a formidable international reputation.

When a group of Australians who had visited the school on the Kibbutz decided it was time to form an Australian support group there was no question who would be the ideal musician at the Inaugural Concert that was held on Wednesday night at the wonderful Recital Hall at the NSW Conservatorium of Music.

Emily Sun, the superb violinist who had only a couple of months ago won the very prestigious Australian Young Performer of the Year award.(YPA)

And why Emily in particular?

Because earlier in her development to become a major soloist she had attended the Masters course at Keshet Eilon in 2011. She liked the classes so much she returned twice. Emily is so appreciative of what she learnt at Keshet Eilon that in 2020 she has been invited as an alumnus teacher, to help other young musicians.

The concert began with Faure’s Violin Sonata no. 1. Accompanied by the always excellent Phillip Shovk, Emily played with maturity and confidence. Her ability as an artist was evident as she met the challenges the piece provided.

Poulenc’s music is not always so approachable but his Violin Sonata FP 119 was a melodic interplay between Violin and Piano, with perfect understanding between the artists.

Without doubt the popular hit on the night was the Concert Fantasy on Themes from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess’ by Russian composer Igor Frolov.
This piece, which Emily had played in her semi-final of the YPA, she had first heard at Keshet Eilon. Playing melodies we were all very familiar with as songs, it was critical to make the violin “sing”, an accomplishment she achieved faultlessly.

As a further treat for the enthusiastic audience there was a marvellous encore. Emily was joined by her former teacher Robin Wilson in a duet of the divine Prelude by Shostakovich.

She was then interviewed on her experiences in Israel by Michael Gonski.

The Australian Friends are seeking to rise funds for scholarships to send exceptionally gifted string instrumentalists to Keshet Eilon.

If the school can keep on this great work it certainly is worthy of widespread support.

Violinist Emily Sun being interviewed by Michael Gonski.