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“Singing for Survival – From Holocaust to Hope”
(A recital for soprano, narrator and piano)


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This musical-educational program was developed by renowned Israeli-American soprano Raya Gonen, a daughter of two Holocaust survivors, as a tribute to the composers who perished or survived the Holocaust.


“Singing for Survival – From Holocaust to Hopeis an hour-long recital for soprano, narrator and piano.  It intertwines songs with narrative text, rich with historical detail and insight into the lives of the composers featured on the program.  Its aim is to celebrate the artistic legacy of those who endowed humanity with a resounding message of courage and hope.

“Singing for Survival – From Holocaust to Hope” has a significant appeal to many organizations, institutions and presenters.  Its unique format and message would be suitable for inclusion in music festivals; commemorative events; educational projects;  interfaith, humanitarian and communal programs, and the concert stage, among others.


The program has already been received enthusiastically by audiences at dozens of venues in the U.S. and in Israel, among them the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, Monmouth University, NJ, Rutgers University, NJ, Stockton College, NJ, and the San Diego and San Francisco Jewish Community Centres. The San Diego Jewish Press Heritage wrote:  "Ms. Gonen sang with a beautiful voice and deep emotion, touching our hearts and leaving an incredible impact on the audience. This program deserves and needs to be repeated!”

Performance Details and Requirements:
Length:  Approximately 60 minutes.
Requirements:  Tuned piano, microphone (for narrator), chair and music stand.
Optional requirement: Spotlighting.

 
REVIEWS

"Ms. Gonen's voice soared with foreboding beauty reflecting the rising flames described by the text. She brought to this concert not only a well trained voice and musical artistry but passionate feelings and dedicated devotion to the music and its text. Ms. Gonen's lullabies by Thereseienstadt composer Gideon Klein and Use Weber left no dry eye in the hall and her three selections from Song of Songs by Israeli composer Tzvi Avni were sung with exquisite delicacy and verve".
.......................................................Eileen Wingard, Concertmistress of the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Jewish Press Heritage

"There is a special energy, often a deeply melancholy eloquence in this style, and Raya Gonen responded to it powerfully."
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........................................................................................................................................Joseph Mclellan Washington Post

"Her mastery of the art of singing is superb, and the nuances of her interpolation were exquisite"

.....................................................................................................................................................................Joseph Mclellan Washington Post

**PLEASE DO NOT DOUBLE CLICK THE VIDEO IMAGE. ONLY CLICK THE ARROW ONCE TO HEAR THE AUDIO.


ICH WANDRE DURCH THERESIENSTADT
STILL DIE NACHT 
EIN YUDDISHE'S KIND by Carlo Taube
 
WIEGALA by Ilse Weber
 
ES BRENNT by Mordechai Gebirtig
 
PARTISAN SONG by Pokrass
 
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