Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County presents
New Manhattan Sinfonietta
Hymns from Auschwitz: A Tribute to Viktor Ullman and Michel Assael
In honor of Yom HaShoah, join us for a never-before-seen musical performance in memory of two Holocaust victims; one who survived; and one who was murdered.
New Manhattan Sinfonietta brings together soulful premieres. This meaningful concert includes “Hymns from Auschwitz” featuring hazans and a piano orchestral piece by Elcil Gürel Göçtü, a young student composer who worked with Renan Koen on her March of the Music initiative. The concert also includes Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491 by W.A. Mozart, which Renan Koen will perform in memoriam of Viktor Ullmann. The performance will conclude with the debut of the Auschwitz Symphonic Poem written by Holocaust survivor Michel Assael. This poem was locked away and ultimately found by Dr. Joe Halio through his passionate research, and Renan Koen assisted in bringing this masterpiece to life.
ELCİL GÜREL GÖÇTÜ (1979-) Hymns from Auschwitz
featuring Hazan Rabbi Nesim Elnecavé and Ilker Nahmias
~World Premiére~
W.A.MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491
MICHEL ASSAEL (1918-2006) Auschwitz Symphonic Poém
“In memoriam of five million hostages slaughtered in the concentration camps, innocent victims of the most unhuman and barbaric frenzy”
~World Premiére~
This moving musical score was written by Michel Assael, a Jewish musician and composer from Salonika, Greece. After surviving Auschwitz, Assael wrote this piece in memory of all that was lost. The piece was written in 1947, but has never been performed. It has recently been rediscovered and will be given its debut performance at this not-to-be missed concert.
This event is also in memory of Viktor Ullman, a Silesian-born Austrian and renowned composer, and conductor who was sent to Terezin where he organized concerts and performed during the war. Ullman was ultimately deported to Auschwitz and was killed in the gas chambers.
We’re proud to honor Martin Elias, a steadfast supporter of Holocaust and tolerance education. We thank Martin for his generosity and support in making this concert a reality.
Sponsorship Packages
Legacy - $50,000
Includes 16 tickets in prime locations, corporate host for a VIP reception and invites for 16 guests to the VIP reception, prominent listing on HMTC website, prominent listing in HMTC event-related emails and social media promoting this event, prominent listing in the playbill.
Upstander - $25,000
Includes 10 tickets in prime locations, an invitation for 10 to VIP reception, prominent listing on HMTC website, prominent listing in HMTC emails and social media promoting this event, prominent listing in the playbill.
Tolerance - $20,000
Includes 8 tickets in prime locations, 8 invitations to the VIP reception, listing on HMTC website, listing in HMTC emails and social media promoting this event, listing in the playbill.
Resistance - $10,000
Includes 6 tickets in prime locations, 6 invitations to the VIP reception, listing on HMTC website, listing in the playbill.
Understanding - $5,000
Includes 4 tickets in prime locations, 4 invitations to the VIP reception, listing on HMTC website, listing in the playbill.
Remembrance - $2,500
Includes 2 tickets in prime locations, 2 invitations to the VIP reception, listing on HMTC website, listing in the playbill.
Digital Journal Ads
For all gifts of $500 or more, you’re invited to place an ad in HMTC’s Hymns from Auschwitz event journal. Once you make your gift, we’ll be in touch with you about your ad. If you get a sponsorship package, we’ll also be in touch with you to go over your VIP seating arrangement options.
Individual Tickets
Tickets to this event range from $27 to $180. per ticket.
For more information about sponsorship packages, tickets, or the event, contact Gayle Peck at gaylepeck@holocaust-nassau.org.
carnegiehall.org | CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Avenue
Please direct all donations related to this event to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
About Viktor Ullman
Viktor Ullman was a renowned composer and conductor, trapped in Prague when the Nazis invaded. He was deported to Terezin where he organized concerts and performed. Ironically, he wrote prolifically while interned, pieces we enjoy today. Sadly, he was murdered in Auschwitz.
“It must be emphasized that Theresienstadt has served to enhance, not impede, my musical activities, that by no means did we sit weeping on the banks of the waters of Babylon, and that our endeavor with respect to Arts was commensurate with our will to live. And I am convinced that all those who, in life and art, were fighting to force form upon the resisting matter, will agree with me.” -- V. Ullman
About Michel Assael
Michel Assael was born in Salonika, Greece, and was deported to Auschwitz in 1943. Surviving selections, he became a member of the orchestra along with his sisters, Lily and Yvette. Dr. Albert Menache, a physician, heard the orchestra needed an accordion player and recommended Michel. In turn, Lily helped Dr. Menache’s daughter get into the orchestra, sadly she did not survive. Upon liberation, Dr. Menache wrote a detailed account of the Greek experience. Michel, inspired by Dr. Menache’s account, wrote a score in memory of all that was lost. The score sat in a box since 1946, never transcribed or performed. After the war, many survivors emigrated to New York, Michel and Albert among them.
About Renan Koen
Pianist, Composer, Soprano, Music Therapist, Columnist
Koen started her studies in music with the flute in 1979, when the conductor of the Amherst College Choir discovered her talent during his stay in İstanbul for the International Music Festival. She started studying piano in 1983 with the composer Ali Darmar, and the “State Artist” Ayşegül Sarıca. Meanwhile, she received her secondary school degree from the flute studio of “Nazım Acar” at Mimar Sinan University State Conservatory. Between 1985 and 1986, she furthered her studies in piano in Paris with Germaine Mounier. In 1990-1991 she continued her studies in London with the pedagogue Maria Curcio and her assistant Mark Swartzentruber.
Read the rest of Renan’s bio and learn more about her incredible work here.
About Gurer Aykal –
Artistic Director / Conductor
New Manhattan Sinfonietta Orchestra
Gürer Aykal, the honorary conductor of the New Manhattan Sinfonietta Orchestra, started his music education at the Ankara State Conservatoire. Studying violin with Necdet Remzi Atak and composition with Adnan Saygun. Between 1969 and 1971, he continued his education at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music where he had the opportunity to work with prominent conductors such as George Hurst and Sir André Previn. Subsequently, he studied for two years in Italy where he served as assistant to Franco Ferrara in the Academia of Santa Cecilia in Rome. He was designated with the “Diploma di Merito” for conducting by the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Meanwhile, he studied Gregorian music and Renaissance polyphony with Prof. Bertolucci in Musica di Sacra in the Vatican.
Read the rest of Gurer’s bio and learn more about his accomplishments here.