BEYOND ALL MEMORIES:

The Semer Ensemble and the Rescued Treasure of Jewish Musical Life in Nazi Berlin

 

On November 9 to November 10, 1938, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews. In the aftermath of Kristallnacht, some 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to Nazi concentration camps. This program presents a film screening and discussion about a treasury of Jewish music destroyed during Kristallnacht that was almost forgotten – but miraculously found!

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Panelists:

Laila Biali, Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist, and CBC Music national radio host

Dr. Alan Bern, Director of Semer Ensemble

Dr. Rainer Lotz, Music historian and discographer

Sasha Lurje, Singer in Semer Ensemble

H.E. Emily Haber, German Ambassador to the USA

H.E. Sabine Sparwasser, German Ambassador to Canada

Ben Wittman, Percussionist, composer, and producer