KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 9, 2017

Kennesaw State to host Holocaust remembrance concert

Kennesaw State University’s School of Music will present “Songs Not Silenced: Music Forbidden in the Holocaust,” a concert featuring the work of composers who were banned in Nazi Germany and throughout occupied European countries. The free performance will be on March 23 at 8 p.m. at the Bailey Performance Center.

The ban affected Jewish composers as well as non-Jewish composers writing in modern or jazz-influenced styles. They were denied opportunities to perform, publish or record their work, bringing their European careers to an end.

“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, internationally known for his work with music in the Holocaust and composer-in-residence at the School of Music.

A special feature of the program will be the U.S. premieres of two sets of songs by conductor-composer Ignatz Waghalter, followed by art, folk, and music theater songs by Kurt Weill, Darius Milhaud, Viktor Ullmann and Ilse Weber. Sherr will provide commentary, along with David Green, the grandson of Ignatz Waghalter.

Performers are Kennesaw State University faculty vocalists Jana Young, soprano, and Oral Moses, bass-baritone, accompanied by pianist Judy Cole.

The event is free with RSVP: https://ksu-songs-not-silenced.eventbrite.com. To learn more about the School of Music, visit MusicKSU.com.

^{The U.S. premieres of two sets of songs by conductor-composer Ignatz Waghalter, above, will be part of the "Songs Not Silenced: Music Forbidden in the Holocaust" on March 23.}

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.