Music, as well as other forms of culture, was subject to Nazification starting in 1933 and continuing until the end of World War II in 1945.
During that time, the Nazis attempted to drive out not only Jewish performers and composers in Germany and occupied European countries, but also any music written by Jews or music that the Nazis thought was inconsistent with their worldview. These musicians were denied opportunities to perform, publish or record their work, effectively bringing their European careers to an end.
To remember the work of those silenced during the Second World War, Kennesaw State University’s School of Music is presenting “Songs Not Silenced: Music Forbidden in the Holocaust,” a concert featuring the work of composers who were banned in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories
Free Sign Up
The performance is scheduled for March 23 at Kennesaw State’s Bailey Performance Center.
“Performing the songs of these composers gives voice to music that was forbidden and reminds us all of the importance of tolerance, respect and understanding in our contemporary world,” said Laurence Sherr, who is known for his work with Holocaust period music and is a composer in residence at the KSU School of Music.
The program will feature the U.S. premieres of two sets of songs by conductor-composer Ignatz Waghalter, as well as art, folk and musical theater songs by Kurt Weill, Darius Milhaud, Viktor Ullmann and Ilse Weber.
Commentary during the program will be provided by Sherr and David Green, the grandson of Waghalter. Kennesaw State faculty vocalists Jana Young, a soprano, and Oral Moses, a bass-baritone, will perform, accompanied by pianist Judy Cole.
What: “Songs Not Silenced: Music Forbidden in the Holocaust”
Where: Bailey Performance Center, 488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, March 23
Tickets: Free with RSVP at ksu-songs-not-silenced.eventbrite.com
comments