‘Melodies of Life’ concert: ‘A Different Song’

But in the early 1930s, this freedom came to an abrupt end. What followed was the systematic persecution and destruction of queer life under National Socialism.

On May 17, 2026, at 7 p.m., the Lebensmelodien Ensemble will present stories and melodies centered on the protagonists of the Schöneberg queer scene from 1907 to 1945 at the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche.

Scenic narration, historical texts, and musical interpretations come together to create a concert experience that blends art, history, and remembrance.

The "Lebensmelodien" project has so far dedicated itself to melodies composed, sung, or played by Jewish people between 1933 and 1945, preserving them from oblivion through concerts and educational projects. "Lebensmelodien" was founded in 2019 by clarinetist and artistic director Nur Ben Shalom and Protestant superintendent Michael Raddatz. With the concert on IDAHOBIT 2026, Lebensmelodien is expanding its focus for the first time to include queer people, another group persecuted under National Socialism.

The evening’s lineup reflects this shift in focus. Familiar faces from Lebensmelodien, such as Francesca Zappa (artistic direction and research) and Michael Cohen-Weissert (composition and arrangements), will perform alongside queer icons like Achan Malonda and Heinrich Horwitz for the first time.

The ensemble for the evening: Luke Hsu, violin | Francesca Zappa, viola | Irena Josifoska, cello | Oskari Hänninen, double bass | Nur Ben Shalom, clarinet | Michael Cohen-Weissert, piano | Achan Malonda, vocals | Berk Altan, vocals | Heinrich Horwitz, reading

• Sunday, May 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:45 p.m.)
• Apostel-Paulus-Kirche, Grunewaldstraße 77a, 10823 Berlin