KULTUR GEGEN DAS VERGESSEN
This concert by the male vocal ensemble Sonat Vox commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and focuses on works that give voice to hope, faith, and remembrance in times of greatest darkness. Angela Winkler's interpretation of the Sintessa monologue from DAS RAD DES GLÜCKS (The Wheel of Fortune) by Werner Fritsch blends in a special way with the musical atmosphere of the concert, thus expanding the sound space of remembrance with a haunting, human voice.
(reading in German)
Music program:
Rudolf Mauersberger (1889–1971): Lord, teach me How desolate lies the city
Mauersberger composed these works while working at the Dresden Kreuzchor, which was influenced by National Socialism. They address grief, lamentation, and the destruction of communities, and have a special resonance in the context of Holocaust remembrance.
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847): Mitten wir im Leben sind (In the midst of life we are)
This work combines Mendelssohn's Jewish heritage with an existential reflection on transience and threat, thus complementing the commemorative program thematically.
John Conahan: Ani Ma'amin (1975)
A choral-meditative composition for mixed choir and two soloists, sung in Hebrew. It is based on a traditional melody sung by survivors during the Holocaust, expressing faith in redemption and the coming of the Messiah. Originally composed by Azriel David Fastag during his deportation to Treblinka, it is now considered a symbol of unshakeable faith and hope.
Kim André Arnesen : Even When He Is Silent (1980)
Sets to music an anonymous text from a hiding place in Cologne: "I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when He is silent." These words reflect deep faith and unshakeable hope and were later found in concentration camps.
Matthew Armstrong: Elegy for Dachau (1980)
The work reflects the profound emotions and historical significance of the former Dachau concentration camp. Harmonic tensions and biblical passages lend the composition a spiritual dimension that intensifies the commemoration.
Jake Runestad (born 1986): I Will Lift Mine Eyes & Amy Beach: Peace I leave with you
Both works convey comfort, hope, and wishes for peace. Together, they form the conclusion of the program and a musical testimony to humanity, faith, and remembrance that translates the horrors of the Holocaust into an awareness of respect and compassion.
About Sonat Vox:
Founded in 2015 by Justus Merkel, Sonat Vox has become one of Germany's leading choirs. Many of the singers received their training at the Windsbach Boys' Choir. In addition to a male choir and chamber choir, the ensemble includes its own chamber orchestra. Sonat Vox has won numerous awards, including first prize at the 2018 German Choir Competition in Freiburg and the International ICCC, and offers expressive interpretations of classical music literature.
#kulturgegendasvergessen
Dates
January 2026
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