Anita and Leonard at the Jewish Museum of Australia

This March, the Jewish Museum of Australia is hosting a special performance to mark the closing of the exhibition A Secret Chord. Melbourne artist, musician and filmmaker Anita Lester will lead two intimate evenings of song, storytelling and reflection as a tribute to the timeless works of the late singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Known for her haunting voice and evocative lyricism, Lester will perform a selection of her own works inspired by Cohen, as well as songs from the Canadian’s vast catalogue, exploring his lasting influence on music and culture. Lester will be joined by the talented Alma Zygier, Rita Satch and Ari Jacob, each weaving music and conversation together in a celebration of Cohen’s life and work. The audience can expect to engage with themes of love, loss and spirituality – all central themes in Cohen’s music.

Following the success of Lester’s tribute show Ladies Who Sing Leonard, this new performance dives even deeper into Cohen’s songwriting, exploring why his words continue to resonate so powerfully. Alongside her solo EP Erato and debut album The Clown, Lester has also produced an award-winning Holocaust-themed film, Noch Am Leben, and worked with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum to produce a portrait series of Holocaust survivors. Her upcoming feature film, Song of Songs, stars an all-Jewish cast.

The show takes place at 7pm on Tuesday March 11 and Wednesday March 12, with discounted tickets available for JMA members. Tickets are now on sale.

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