This 2016 concert was inspired by a visit to Dachau Concentration camp, and the understanding that even in the most challenging and darkest of times, art and music have the power to uplift the human spirit. In the increasingly divisive global political climate, it is now more important than ever to affirm the tenements of equality, acceptance, and mutual respect among all people.

 

Our performance featured works composed in concentration and POW camps, including Victor Ullmann's String Quartet No. 3, Gideon Klein's Piano Sonata, and excerpts from Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time. An uplifting second half featured Jewish Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov's Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind (klezmer movement!); Canada's foremost Jewish composer, Srul Irving Glick's From Out of the Depths; and also Pulitzer prize winning composer Kevin Puts' And Legions Will Rise.

 

 

Featuring Diana Cohen, concertmistress of the Calgary Philharmonic; Erin Fung, principal clarinet of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra; and Esther Bing, pianist on faculty at the Mount Royal Conservatory. Joined by friends and colleagues of the Calgary Philharmonic, David Lakirovich, violin; Marcin Swoboda, viola; Tim Borton, percussion; Johanne Perron, cellist; and special guest, Edmonton Symphony Associate Concertmistress Virginie Gagne.

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Proceeds from this event were donated to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, and also to the Canadian Red Cross Fire Relief Efforts