Rabbi Stuart Altshuler, of Belsize Square Synagogue, was in the South of France on Sunday, officiating at the marriage of top violinist Maxim Vengerov to Olga Gringolts, from St Petersburg (sister of well-known classicist violinist Ilya).

The rabbi, a keen amateur violinist, became friends with Vengerov after going to a concert in Chicago and meeting backstage. I understand he is hoping to persuade the maestro to play a benefit concert for Belsize Square when next over here.