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Kaddish CD Now Available
The World Premiere Performance recorded live with the 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle,
is now available on CD. To hear extracts visit Recording page.
Litany/Kaddish Prayer CD-ROM
Litany is the the turning point in the Kaddish narrative. It begins the final section of the work, Tikkun Olam, (Repair of the
World) meant to find some way to move forward from the ashes. It consists only of spoken words, and only these words: the names,
dates and places of birth, dates and places of death of 2,037 from among the millions who perished in the five extermination
camps of the Nazis during the height of the Holocaust: 1942-44.
In performance of the whole work, Siegel's setting of the Mourner's Kaddish follows Litany. It is strongly encouraged that those
wishing to perform Litany follow it with Kaddish Prayer; thus the two movements are offered together.
A CD-ROM containing the score for these two movements and information for performers is avalable. Learn more.
Houston Symphony and Houston Symphony Chorus to Perform Kaddish
On November 23rd, 2010, a full symphonic version of Kaddish will be premiered by the Houston Symphony and Houston Symphony Chorus. In the period leading up to that performance, a series of significant workshops and presentations will feature the composer and Holocaust survivors. These activities will be produced by Holocaust Museum Houston in partnership with the Houston Symphony.
Kaddish to conclude UNH Echoes of the Holocaust Series, November 14th
The University of New Hamphire's Echoes of the Holocaust series will conclude with a complete performance
of Lawrence Siegel's Kaddish by the UNH Chamber Singers, soloists including Jenni Cook and David Ripley,
and orchestra under the direction of William Kempster.
November 14th, 2010, 3 p.m., Johnson Theatre, Paul Creative Arts Center, Durham, NH.
To learn more vist Echoes of the Holocaust at UNH.
FAU Performance
On Saturday evening, November 6th, 2010 there will be a performance of Kaddish at Florida Atlantic University,
as part of the Lessons and Legacies Conference on the Holocaust.
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With words taken directly from interviews with survivors of the Holocaust, Kaddish is an innovative, engaging, and inspiring new
work for chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra by Lawrence Siegel. Kaddish is intended to raise awareness and address the issue of
genocide as an ongoing global crisis. By singing the actual words of Holocaust survivors, Kaddish creates empathy in its audience.
With its passionate story of the redemptive power of the simple virtues of daily living, Kaddish motivates its audience to take a
stand against genocide.
The Kaddish Project was created to bring attention to the intentional and systematic destruction of individuals and entire cultures
throughout the world. Kaddish consists of fifteen movements for chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra based on firsthand
testimonies of Holocaust survivors. It illustrates a specific moment in history while illuminating the Holocaust as a profound human
tragedy - one whose implications extend beyond the Jewish experience to concern all people everywhere.
Kaddish was commissioned by the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies at Keene State College, Keene, NH, in honor of its 25th
anniversary. In 2009 the Center became the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, offering a baccalaureate degree, with
a curriculum combining historical study with an interdisciplinary exploration of both the Holocaust and other genocidal events.
November 15, 2008
VocalEssence, conducted by Philip Brunelle,
Lawrence Siegel, Composer
"Kaddish" connects with lyrical simplicity," — headlined the Star Tribune.
The premiere was made poignant by the presence of Naomi Warren, an 88-year-old survivor of Auschwitz, whose words both open and close KADDISH. Siegel speaks of his "verbatim" approach to the score, which he defines as "shaping song out of the actual speech of ordinary people." It brings "you-are-there" immediacy to the story. At the dress rehearsal Warren told the musicians of her 2003 return to Auschwitz, which enabled her to say, "Hineni! I am here!" — American Record Guide
"Kaddish" had a gravitas and an emotional immediacy that made even the familiar story of the Holocaust fresh and compelling. — Pioneer Press
... joy of a kind born in resiliency emerges like a glow of white light in the final section of Lawrence Siegel's oratorio – starting with a hymnlike choral setting of the words, "Nothing is as whole as a heart which has been broken," and rising to exaltation: "I am here! I survived, and look who is with me." After what has gone before, the impact of the conclusion is thrilling. — Star Tribune
media coverage
NH Public Television Program
On Sunday, June 8, 2008, New Hampshire Public Television aired a feature about Kaddish on New Hampshire Outlook. The piece
included footage of and interviews with Kaddish composer, Lawrence Siegel, and several of the survivors whose words became
part of the libretto for the piece. There are also clips of the May 3, 2008 debut of Kaddish. The piece can be viewed
online at NHPTV, click "Watch
Online".
Your tax-deductible financial donations will make it possible to continue teaching the facts and lessons of the
Holocaust, motivating successive generations to recognize an ethical responsibility to respond to prejudice and hatred.
Contribute to Kaddish Project through Tricinium.
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