Bernard Foccroulle’s moving portrait of a Parisian Jewish student deported to Auschwitz is brought to life by mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb.
Written between 1942 and 1944 by a Parisian Jewish student who was deported to Auschwitz in March 1944 and died in April 1945, a few days before the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen camp, it took 63 years for Hélène Berr's journal to be published,
When he read the manuscript of the journal, the Belgian composer Bernard Foccroulle was overwhelmed and captivated by what it contained in terms of zest for life, lightness, and love. He then wrote a lyrical drama for voice, piano, and string quartet, the libretto of which is taken from the journal. The premiere of this work took place in May 2023 in Cherbourg and was followed by nearly 20 performances in France. The performances at the RCM mark the work’s North American premiere.
Tunisian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb has drawn international recognition for her clear, sensuous vocal tone and her dramatic flair. With a versatile instrument that allows her to shine in repertoire from Monteverdi, Handel, and Mozart through Bizet, Verdi, and Glass, she has been praised by The New York Times for her “lush, rich voice” and “assurance and ringing might.”
21C Music Festival
MOST FEARLESS MUSICIANS
BRING US FRESH NEW SOUNDS AND IDEAS
#21Cmusic / 7 CONCERTS / 21+ PREMIERES
TICKETS START AT ONLY $21
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL 21C MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERTS
BECOME A ROYAL SUBSCRIBER!
Choose any 4 or more concerts from this festival or mix with concerts from other series in the 2024.25 concert season to create your ideal subscription. You will get the best available seats PLUS discounted ticket prices AND enjoy Royal Subscriber benefits!