Through the words and memories of victims, survivors, and bystanders,
Kaddish is a series of musical vignettes of the Holocaust.
Kaddish is not only about the past, but also about exploring our common humanity and responding ethically to intolerance and
injustice today. This musical work, composed by Lawrence Siegel, is performed by a many-voiced choir featuring renowned soloists David
Ripley, Peggo Hodes, Ryan Turner and Pamela Stevens, and accompanied by a chamber ensemble. It culminates in a message of hope and peace
that extends beyond the lines of religion, race, and ethnic background.
Kaddish, composed by
Lawrence Siegel, debuted on May 3, 2008, in Keene, NH, home of
the internationally-recognized Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies at Keene State College. The world premiere is November 15, 2008 in
Minneapolis, MN, as part of the 40th anniversary season of VocalEssence with
Philip Brunelle,
Founder and Artistic Director. Performances in a variety of domestic and international cultural and civic centers will follow.
Kaddish was commissioned by the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies at Keene State College to commemorate its 25th anniversary in
2008 and to follow its mission, "To remember ... and to teach."
*The Mourners' Kaddish is the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead recited as part of the mourning rituals at funerals and on the
anniversary of the death of a loved one. It focuses on the sanctity of life.
