Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Brundibar (The Bumblebee) – What Does it Mean to You and Me?
Brundibar is a children’s opera written by Czech composer Hans Krasa and performed at the Terezin concentration camp more than fifty times, as part of a Nazi propaganda effort to deceive international observers and reduce suspicions about the facility.
Several days after the last performance, the composer and most of the children were sent to their deaths at Auschwitz.
On June 28th and 29th, Colorado Music Festival will present this timeless story that unites kids and their animal friends against the town bully. The Festival will collaborate with the University of Colorado Opera Program to present a semi-staged production featuring CU students as well as a children’s chorus. Ela Weissberger, a Holocaust survivor who, as a young child, performed the role of The Cat while in Terezin, will travel to Colorado to be a part of this production. During her stay in Boulder, Ms. Weissberger will share her life story and participate in several events for our community. Click here for tickets >>
The presentation of Brundibar is part of the Festival’s Rediscovered Masters Program, a series of performances celebrating Jewish composers and their music, with an emphasis on music composed before, during, and immediately after World War II. For more information visit www.comusic.org.
Come get a sneak preview on Thursday, June 7th at The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, 80302. Boulder Renewal Rabbi Tirzah Firestone will guide us through a conversation about this unique production. Guests will get an insider’s view into CMF’s upcoming production with University of Colorado Opera Program Director Leigh Holman. Hear musical selections, learn about the historical context, and see visuals of past productions. To enhance the experience, Boulder Rabbis Joshua Rose (Reform), Marc Soloway (Conservative) and Gavriel Goldfeder (Orthodox) will together examine the libretto and share their insights. The event is free, but space is limited. Early arrival is recommended.
Colorado Music Festival extends a special thank you to the event Co-Sponsor, The Dairy Center for the Arts! Event Community Partners are Haver and University of Colorado Boulder Opera Program.
PLUS: FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS FOR JEWISH STUDENTS! Thanks to the support of Rose Community Foundation, Colorado Music Festival is offering 100 FREE General Admission Brundibar tickets to Jewish students ages 10 and up. Alternatively, students can buy any reserved seat at a 50% discount! Accompanying adults receive $10 off their tickets as well. Please contact Margaret Romero at romero@comusic.org or 303-449-1397, ext 7 for tickets! Brundibar performances are Thursday, June 28th and Friday, June 29th at 7:30pm at Chautauqua Auditorium. Visit www.comusic.org for more information.
