Young People's Chorus of NYC Recognizes Holocaust Remembrance Day with Special Presentation of BRUNDIBAR

In recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day, The Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) will perform the historic and poignant children's opera, "Brundibár" at The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust on Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m. The performance will feature a cast of 40 choristers and a 13-piece orchestra, conducted by YPC Associate Conductor Sophia Papoulis, with direction by Eric Einhorn of On Site Opera and costumes by Beth Goldenberg.

The program will begin with a performance of musical selections by artists including Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel and Leonard Bernstein, conducted by YPC Artistic Director and Founder Francisco J. Núñez. The second half of the program will feature "Brundibár," performed by YPC choristers ages 8 - 11. The event will also include an educational component hosted by the Museum.

"Brundibár," a children's opera by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, was regularly performed by the children of the Theresienstadt concentration camp in occupied Czechoslovakia in 1943. YPC, known for its "astounding virtuosity" (Wall Street Journal), has a personal history with the piece, first performing "Brundibár" in 2003 at the Henry Street Settlement, followed by two performances in 2005 at The Jewish Museum and a WNYC Radio Broadcast, and most recently in 2022 at Carnegie Hall.

"We appreciate the opportunity for our children to learn about a major part of Jewish history, especially since YPC teaches our choristers the concepts of tolerance and acceptance of all humans," said YPC Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Núñez. "This performance helps teach our children that we must learn about the past and understand each other's histories to be able to prepare for the future. Our choristers are also learning that, even today, we must continue to support each other and show resilience in the face of adversity."

"On a day in which we remember those who suffered during the Holocaust, we honor the lives and songs of the youngest victims through an inspiring performance by the Young People's Chorus in our Edmond J. Safra Hall. This remarkable operetta gave hope to the children who were imprisoned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp," said Jack Kliger, President, and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. "We hope the spirits and memories of these children continue to motivate audience to combat bigotry and make the world a better, more tolerant place."

Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for children. Additionally, the event will be livestreamed from the Museum site and can be viewed online for $10. Tickets for both the in-person performance and the livestream can be purchased here: mjhnyc.org/brundibar.

For more information about YPC and its performance of "Brundibár," please visit https://ypc.org/event/brundibar-2023/.

About Young People's Chorus of New York City

Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) is a multicultural youth chorus internationally renowned for its superb virtuosity, brilliant showmanship, and innovative model of diversity. Founded by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow and Musical America's 2018 Educator of the Year, YPC's mission and values are deeply rooted in providing children of all cultural and economic backgrounds with a unique program of music education and choral performance. YPC is committed to uplifting young people and providing pathways to success through the arts so that each child, no matter what race, gender, socioeconomic background, or religion can reach their full potential. Among YPC's many awards is America's highest honor for youth programs, a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, which was presented to members of YPC at the White House. Under the direction of YPC's Creative Director, Elizabeth Núñez, YPC also earned the distinction of "Choir of the World" in July 2018 at the International Choral Kathaumixw (Powell River, British Columbia), marking the first time in its history that a North American chorus had ever won this title. www.ypc.org.

About The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York's contribution to the global responsibility to Never Forget. The Museum is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. The third-largest Holocaust museum in the world, the Museum of Jewish Heritage anchors the southernmost tip of Manhattan, completing the cultural and educational landscape it shares with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Museum's current offerings include The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do, a major new exhibition offering a timely and expansive presentation of Holocaust history, now on view in the main galleries. Also on view is Survivors: Faces of Life After the Holocaust, featuring photographer Martin Schoeller's portraits of Holocaust survivors on view through June 18, 2023.

Each year, the Museum presents over 60 public programs, connecting our community in person and virtually through lectures, book talks, concerts, and more. For more info visit: http://mjhnyc.org/events. Museum receives general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.

For more information, visit: https://mjhnyc.org