Following our immensely successful program, Echoes of Hope, which celebrates the lives and music of composers directly affected by the Holocaust, Illinois Holocaust Museum has partnered with David Lisker to present a special concert this summer. The program titled Soviet Composers Discovering a Jewish Sound, explores the music of Soviet composers from the first half of the 20th century as they set out to develop a uniquely “Jewish” sound within classical music. In the same way that French composers drew from the impressionist movement, and the Spanish drew from traditional dance rhythms of various regions to develop a soundscape which became unmistakable and fully integrated into the nation’s cultural identity, discover how brilliant Soviet composers incorporated the sounds produced by cantors in synagogues, the themes from traditional Jewish dances (Freilechs), and other inspiring sources to establish a distinctly Jewish classical music.
The concert features violinist and LMF Artistic Director, David Lisker, cellist Richard Hirschl, member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and head of the string department at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, and Ani Gogova, celebrated Bulgarian pianist who has established herself as one of the leading members of the Chicago music scene. They will perform music by Achron, Engel, Krein, Weinberg, and Shostakovich.
Soviet Composers Discovering a Jewish Sound 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 16 Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL 60077
