April 16, 2024, 08:04
2 min read
PALERMO – The Sicilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation opens up once again to the world of children, young people and families by staging Brundibár. It is a work for children performed by children, whose genesis and first performance are closely linked to the holocaust and the victory of good over evil but which, especially in a period like the current one which sees bullying attitudes spreading more and more often , discrimination and intolerance towards those who are different and the weakest.
Brundibàr, solidarity and peace
Brundibàr wants to reiterate that solidarity and peace, in every field, must be the main objective for future generations. The goal is not to lose sight of the very essence of humanity. The opera will be performed at the Politeama Garibaldi on Sunday 21 April at 6pm and on Monday 22 April two shows (at 9.30am and 11.30am) are dedicated to schools.
The history of the work
Brundibár (1938/1943) is probably the most performed children’s theater work in the world. Hans Krása composed it in 1938/1939, with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister for a competition of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic and it was to be performed in the Jewish orphanage in Prague. Krása’s arrest and deportation to the Theresienstadt (Terezin) ghetto, however, prevented the opera from being staged. Brundibàr was performed for the first time in 1943 in the Terezin ghetto by the children interned there, becoming very popular.
Brundibàr’s message
Born in dark times, her music is light and fun. The plot of the fairy tale is based on the idea “unity is strength”. A message that therefore goes beyond the Holocaust but which serves as a warning to the new generations to know how to react in a healthy way to bullying and abuse. All through solidarity. Performers of Brundibár are the children of the Foundation’s children’s choir together with an instrumental ensemble of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra and the voice of Luisa Hoffmann. She directs the ensemble and the children’s choir Riccardo Scilipoti. The direction and staging is by Claudia Puglisi.
Published on
April 16, 2024, 08:04
