Welcome to the Lebensmelodien: Melodies of Life
Our project is dedicated to rediscovering and performing Jewish melodies composed during the holocaust era times of 1933-1945. These powerful musical pieces, born out of persecution and survival, are not just a couple of musical notes; they are the echoes of history and resilience. Join us in honoring this extraordinary musical heritage and keeping the stories alive for future generations.
The Legacy of Lebensmelodien and the Project Today
"Melodies of Life" are Jewish melodies, musical pieces that were composed, sung or played in the period of 1933-1945. The Melodies of Life have a story to tell, as each one of them is tied to a specific person or community - to Jewish life. These melodies were created in the most inhuman situations of persecution and murder, between life and death. The music helped to survive in the ghettos and camps - or to say goodbye to this world.
Fortunately, numerous compositions and stories from that time have survived. For example, the melody of Chad Gadja's Hungarian version was re-invented by Shmuel Blasz. He and his friend Shmuel Lazarovich were in a Hungarian labor camp. Only Lazarovich survived, and with him the notes of his dear friend's compositions. Shmuel Lazarovich kept the works and passed them on to the next generations, so that the story of his friend may be remembered.
The project "Melodies of Life" performs Jewish music pieces from the time of the Holocaust. Most of these melodies had been lost and forgotten. However, now, 77 years later, they can be heard again, and some for the very first time as world premieres. Holocaust descendants have kindly shared the compositions of their family members; other melodies that were sung at the time have been arranged for instruments and are now performed by a classical ensemble. With the support of the Federal Government Commissioner on Anti-Semitism, the "Melodies of Life" project will perform the music in different locations to make this special heritage accessible to the wider public. The melodies will be heard in concert halls, schools, public places as well as synagogues, churches and mosques..
At "Lebensmelodien: Melodies of Life", we honor the memories of the individuals and communities who created these powerful melodies, and pay tribute to their enduring legacy. In addition to the concert, we also offer education programs that aim to integrate the "Melodies of Life" into the cultural memory of schools and communities.
Lebensmelodien: The Story of Reviving Lost Jewish Melodies and a Legacy of 'Rache' - Revenge.
A poignant part of this story is connected to Salomea Ochs Luft, a Jewish pianist who, in 1943, wrote a heartrending letter to her family before her deportation. In it, she expressed love, despair, and a call for "Rache" (Revenge). This letter, embodying the emotional turmoil and tragic realities of the Holocaust, has become a powerful symbol in Lebensmelodien's mission.
Nur Ben Shalom, the project's founder and Salomea's great-nephew, was deeply moved by her letter. It inspired him to explore the broader narrative of Jewish musicians whose talents and lives were tragically extinguished. Nur's journey led him to the concept of "Rache" in a transformative sense, focusing on reviving the silenced voices and music as a form of remembrance and homage, rather than seeking vengeance in its traditional sense.
Lebensmelodien has since discovered numerous compositions, each a unique testament to a past marred by horror yet resilient in spirit. The project presents these melodies in concerts and educational settings, bridging past and present, and honoring the memories of those who suffered.
Through these musical pieces, Lebensmelodien confronts the theme of "Rache" by transforming it into an act of cultural and historical preservation. The project celebrates the resilience and creativity of those who faced unimaginable adversity and ensures that their stories and artistic expressions are remembered and passed on to future generations.
Educational Impact
Engaging the Youth: See how we involve schools and young people in understanding and appreciating this musical heritage.
Workshops and Learning: Learn about our educational workshops and how they contribute to Holocaust education.
Our educational program:
Our education programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable to a wide range of age groups and interests. From high schools with or without music classes or smaller ensembles to workshops with professional musicians and actors, we strive to engage students in a meaningful and interactive way. Through the living, public memory of these private stories, we give the people behind the "Melodies of Life" a voice, and provide students with the opportunity to be part of the important memory-musical-work and fight against anti-Semitism.
Since 2022, our team has been conducting concerts and workshops at schools to provide insight into Jewish culture and to contribute to an active culture of remembering in Germany. "The preservation of memories through music and the creation of a living memory are at the forefront of the project," explains the artistic director of the project, Nur Ben Shalom.
The educational program of the Lebensmelodien is funded by the Friede Springer Foundation. We work with different schools such as elementary and high schools, music schools, ballet schools and others. conducting workshops where students can learn about the melodies and the stories behind them. At the end of the workshops, the students perform and present the Lebensmelodien in concerts and events.
Through its musical approach, this project provides a valuable supplement to Holocaust education and allows students to become part of the civil society's efforts to combat antisemitism. However, the Lebensmelodien also convey important themes and values beyond this, such as friendship, courage, dignity, and resistance.
