A new concert titled A Path to the Light – HaDerech el Ha’Or aims to commemorate the resilience of the Jewish community through music and art, reflecting on historical narratives and contemporary challenges. Scheduled for November 19, 2023, the event is presented by the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia and features an array of performances by notable artists, including Lior, Deborah Conway, and Simon Tedeschi.
The concert draws inspiration from a quote by psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, emphasizing the notion that “no one can control our inner world.” According to Simon Starr, the concert’s creator, this message is crucial in understanding how individuals can define their narratives despite external pressures. He believes that the concert encapsulates the thoughts and writings of those who lived in the Theresienstadt ghetto, including children whose creativity flourished amid adversity.
Starr explained the conceptual framework of the performance: “It felt like such an important message to communicate and share. The idea was for the music to reflect the writings of the children, Viktor Frankl, and many artists and thinkers in Theresienstadt, capturing the richness of our inner worlds.” The concert aims to balance lightness and depth, avoiding an overly heavy tone while honoring the experiences of those affected by the Holocaust.
The event was initially intended to coincide with a performance at the Concert Hall featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. However, due to sensitivities following the events of October 7, the accompanying show was canceled, reflecting a broader trend of increased antisemitism that has affected Jewish artists globally. Starr noted that many Australian Jewish artists have faced ostracism and reduced opportunities since that date, making A Path to the Light not only a cultural event but also a statement of solidarity.
The concert will include projections of artwork from Theresienstadt, enhancing the experience by bringing the voices of the past to life. Artists will present writings from figures such as Ilse Weber and Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, alongside children’s poetry and diaries from the ghetto. This immersive experience is designed to resonate with audiences, fostering a sense of hope and resilience.
Starr expressed a desire for the audience to connect with the music and feel a sense of community. “We hope that people will love the music and feel less alone, more hopeful, and more resilient,” he stated. He emphasized that the concert should serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of creativity and resilience within the Jewish community.
Reflecting on the importance of historical memory, Starr remarked, “History repeats, both for good and bad.” He aims for the concert to shed light on the realities of Theresienstadt, countering the narrative that it was a model camp. Instead, he seeks to showcase how its inhabitants found a “path to light” despite their circumstances.
Starr concluded by expressing hope for the concert’s impact beyond the evening itself. “This will be a memorable night, as well as hopefully the beginning of a wave of optimism, agency, and action,” he said. He believes that while society may struggle with prejudice and hatred, individuals can control their inner worlds, which holds the potential for positive change.
Tickets for A Path to the Light – HaDerech el Ha’Or are available for purchase, and the concert promises to be a significant event for both the Jewish community and the wider public.
