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The Journal of Hélène Berr

The Journal of Hélène Berr
The Journal of Helene Berr photo
January 23, 2025 | 3:00 PM
  • Starting at: $21.00
  • Venue: Mazzoleni Concert Hall
  • Series: 35 under 35 Subscription, 21C Music Festival
  • Genre: Classical, New Music
  • Presenter: The Royal Conservatory
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.”



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