A presentation by Yarilo Contemporary Music Society and Congregation Emanu-El

Based on the book To Hope and Back, our event will showcase the true story of the SS St. Louis, the ill-fated ship which sailed from Germany in 1939 carrying nearly 1,000 Jewish refugees. No country, including Canada, would allow the ship to dock. It was forced to return to Europe where most of the passengers on board perished in the Holocaust.

Our program features Steve Reich’s masterpiece “Different Trains” for the string quartet which includes archival recordings of trains going to Auschwitz. The music is described as the most important musical representation of the Holocaust.

The music in our program brings to life the tragic stories from the past to appeal to our common humanity and compassion, highlighting the importance of human rights for everyone. In these times of darkness, with the uncertainties of war surrounding us, our concert also sends a message of hope via the last piece on our program, “Radiant Light” by Iranian-Canadian composer Iman Habibi. Inspired by the painting “Easter Morning”, the music depicts radiant light, reflecting in the darkness. As the composer himself shares his impression of the painting: “I felt so uplifted by the idea that there may still be a small window, through which, we can at least let in some hope of light for future generations.”

Also on the program is Philip Glass’ “Four Movements for Two Pianos”, and Gheorghi Arnaoudov’s “Hoshanah, Save Us” for two pianos and percussion.

This event is generously supported by the Jewish Community Foundation.

Performers:

Jane Hayes and Anna Levy—pianos
Yaletown String Quartet
Jonathan Bernard—percussion

Ticket prices: $15 for children, $25 for seniors/students, and $35 for adults.

Our event will showcase the true story of the SS St. Louis, the ill-fated ship which sailed from Germany in 1939 carrying nearly 1,000 Jewish refugees. No country, including Canada, would allow the ship to land. It was forced to return to Europe where most of the Jewish passengers on board perished in the Holocaust. As the story in the book is told through the eyes of two children on board the ship, we are presenting our project with two children actors. To Hope and Back is a book that has been introduced into the BC curriculum as part of the education on the Holocaust.

The event is our response to the unprecedented global rise of antisemitism. It calls for compassion and brings to light our common humanity. It stands for human rights not only for Jewish people, but for the basic human rights of each one of us. Our goal is for the performance to be both artistic and educational.

The music performed in the concert is by Iman Habibi (Radiant Light), Philip Glass (Four movements for two pianos), Steve Reich (String quartet “Different Trains” with archival recordings of trains going to Auschwitz), and Gheorgi Arnaudov (Hoshanah, Save us, for two pianos and percussion).

Performers:

Jane Hayes and Anna Levy—pianos
Yaletown String Quartet
Jonathan Bernard—percussion

Our event will showcase the true story of the SS St. Louis, the ill-fated ship which sailed from Germany in 1939 carrying nearly 1,000 Jewish refugees. No country, including Canada, would allow the ship to land. It was forced to return to Europe where most of the Jewish passengers on board perished in the Holocaust. As the story in the book is told through the eyes of two children on board the ship, we are presenting our project with two children actors. To Hope and Back is a book that has been introduced into the BC curriculum as part of the education on the Holocaust.

The event is our response to the unprecedented global rise of antisemitism. It calls for compassion and brings to light our common humanity. It stands for human rights not only for Jewish people, but for the basic human rights of each one of us. Our goal is for the performance to be both artistic and educational.

The music performed in the concert is by Iman Habibi (Radiant Light), Philip Glass (Four movements for two pianos), Steve Reich (String quartet “Different Trains” with archival recordings of trains going to Auschwitz), and Gheorgi Arnaudov (Hoshanah, Save us, for two pianos and percussion).

Performers:

Jane Hayes and Anna Levy—pianos
Yaletown String Quartet
Jonathan Bernard—percussion