We are all children, little ones
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This is Music of Remembrance’s most ambitious and compelling artistic enterprise ever. It will take us an entire season to complete. Through words, music and film, we will tell a story that adds a compelling new dimension to the world’s understanding of the Terezín concentration camp and its unique legacy.
Our inspiration? Commemorating the teenage boys imprisoned in Terezín, with the words of their secret journal, VEDEM. They published it weekly over two years; about 800 pages survive. The boys’ poems, essays and artwork are filled with extraordinary compassion, wisdom, and humor even in the face of their dire circumstances.
“We no longer want to be an accidental group of boys,” Walter Roth wrote, “passively succumbing to the fate meted out to us. We want to create an active, mature society and through work and discipline transform our fate into a joyful, proud reality.” Through the support of MOR’s family and friends, this project will become a “joyful, proud reality.” We hope you will join us. |
The World Premiere of a New MOR Commission: Seattle audiences have had a front row seat on the lyrical genius of American composer Lori Laitman. Her new oratorio VEDEM is a major hour-long work for boy choir, instrumental quartet, and two solo voices—mezzo soprano and tenor. Laitman is also creating a song-cycle version without choir that can travel more widely, and that MOR can perform as part of our educational programs.
The CD Recording: Shortly after the oratorio’s world premiere, the performers will record VEDEM at Benaroya Hall, taking advantage of the facility’s state-of-the-art technology. We expect the recording to be released on a major international label, giving VEDEM a broad worldwide audience
The Documentary Film: The Boys of Terezín will bring you face to face with the extraordinary courage and idealism of those Terezín teens, and immerse you in the inspiring poetry and art of their clandestine journal. It will chronicle the creation, decades later, of MOR’s musical testament to their lives and art. The film will be produced, directed and narrated by Seattle filmmaker/journalist John Sharify, the winner of multiple Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Awards. Sharify has already begun filming the firsthand testimonies of the six remaining survivors – now spread across four continents – from the Terezín boy’s room whose young residents created their extraordinary secret magazine VEDEM.
SUPPORT MOR’s VEDEM PROJECT
The VEDEM Project’s costs will total over $150,000. That’s daunting for such a small organization, but only MOR could or would accomplish so much for so little. A commission, a concert, a CD, a documentary: but many hands make light work. We have already raised $40,000.
If 1,000 people give $100, this project will succeed in adding an unread page to history. Call (206) 365-7770 or donate online.
Composer Lori Laitman with survivors Emil Kopel and Leopold Lowy
An Unforgettable Gala Evening: Save that date, May 10, 2010! You are invited to join MOR and special guests for a pre-concert gala dinner and a post-concert reception. Packages start at $250 per person. Call MOR to order your gala tickets today: (206) 365-7770.