Performing the Jewish Archive, based at Leeds University in the UK, is a three year Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project working to explore hidden archives, uncover and perform lost works, and create a legacy for the future. Pianist, Pieter Grobler, presents a concert of Viktor Ullmann’s Lieder with mezzo soprano, Minette du Toit-Pearce and soprano, Lauren Dasappa.

Viktor Ullmann studied composition under Arnold Schoenberg and was a member of  Alexander Zemlinsky‘s New German Theatre. Ullmann made important contributions to both Czech and German cultural life as a composer, conductor, pianist and music critic. Ullmann and his family were forcibly moved to the Theresienstadt ghetto on September 8th, 1942. He continued to compose music until his final deportation to Auschwitz in October 1944. It is believed that he was murdered a few days after his arrival at the camp.

The concert will open the concert with a selection of piano pieces by the 12 year old Josima Feldschuh, a child prodigy from Warsaw who died equally tragically at the age of 15. It will be followed by works of Ullmann, who is by any account a masterful composer.  Ullman’s music was often dedicated to his dearly beloved wife, and through all the hardship of these fractured lives, the concert programme ultimately celebrates love prevailing over all.

The concert will take place on Saturday 16 September at 20h00 in the Fismer Hall, Stellenbosch.

Tickets for R140 (regular) and R100 (students and pensioners) are available now through Computicket and at the door.

For more information contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.