First Summer Recital
First Summer Recital for The Holocaust Centre Honours Auschwitz Survivor and Renowned Cellist
The Holocaust Centre’s first Summer Recital was held at the Foundling Museum on 4th May, in honour of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch. Anita, who survived Auschwitz by playing the Cello in the camp orchestra, went on to become a founder member of the English Chamber Orchestra.
Hosted by Henry Grunwald, QC – former President of the Board of Deputies, now a trustee of The Holocaust Centre – the evening’s programme was arranged and performed by Anita’s son Raphael Wallfisch, himself an internationally renowned cellist, accompanied by pianist Linn Rothstein. The two have recorded many classical works together.
“When we set out to create The Holocaust Centre it was to survivors such as Anita that we turned for inspiration and insight,” says Centre Chairman Dr James Smith. “In the years since, Anita has been an unwavering supporter and friend of the best kind; never slow to speak her mind; always practical; always full of wisdom and good advice.”
The Holocaust Centre is the only centre dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education in the UK. Opened in 1995, it welcomes over 20,000 children to its educational programmes and exhibitions every year. The centre offers each school group the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor and hear his or her story. Entry costs are subsidized to ensure all schools can afford to visit. Each child’s visit costs the centre four times the admission fee.
“Though highly praised by Holocaust survivors, teachers, students and public figures alike, The Holocaust Centre is a charity that runs on an annual deficit,” says Centre Director Helen Whitney. “It performs a vital role in helping to counter the seeds of prejudice and division in Britain today, but it needs an additional £400,000 per annum. By taking part in events like tonight’s recital, people can help enormously – which is why we hope to build on this success with the White Rose Ball at the Kia Oval on 25 September.”
More information about the White Rose Charity Ball – which was first reported in the Jewish Chronicle last week – can be found at www.whiteroseball.org.
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