A concert production honouring my late father Eduard Berkovits, a Holocaust Survivor and his relentless determination to get home after he was liberated.
After spending 11 months in Auschwitz Birkenau
in 1945, my Hungarian Jewish father was liberated.
He then faced his next enormous challenge.
Getting home.
He was only 16 years old and his family was gone. For the next three months, the hungry and destitute Eduard and his little brother Michael wandered from town to town with only his survival instincts intact and the tattoo on his left arm. Eduard was a very quiet and humble man. He never spoke about his Holocaust experiences so his video testimony recorded by the USC Shoah Foundation was all I had to learn about his incredible story and journey. |
It took me 10 years to build up the courage to watch my father’s interview. His journey home was so inspiring, I set about writing a musical documentary in his honour and am about to share it with the world.
The Journey Home will include myself on piano, a 7-piece band and beautiful vocal performances. Portions of my father’s USC Shoah Foundation interview will appear on large screen as the story of his remarkable journey home is told through original music and lyrics. My father, a true inspiration. |
Upon being liberated in 1945 my late father, Eduard, found this violin inside one of the Nazi-occupied 10 x 10 barracks.
Without hesitation, he opened the case and ran his fingers along this violin. For a moment, my father allowed himself to remember the past.
He recalled his father’s love for the violin and its hauntingly beautiful music. The two shared that passion. As a child, my father had fantasized about becoming a world-class violinist and conductor. My father exited the barracks clutching the instrument. He knew the violin would be his good luck charm along his entire journey home.
MY FATHER'S VIOLIN WILL BE PLAYED DURING THIS LIVE CONCERT.
Without hesitation, he opened the case and ran his fingers along this violin. For a moment, my father allowed himself to remember the past.
He recalled his father’s love for the violin and its hauntingly beautiful music. The two shared that passion. As a child, my father had fantasized about becoming a world-class violinist and conductor. My father exited the barracks clutching the instrument. He knew the violin would be his good luck charm along his entire journey home.
MY FATHER'S VIOLIN WILL BE PLAYED DURING THIS LIVE CONCERT.
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The story of my father’s journey home is one of courage, hope and survival.
It needs to be told.
On Nov 3rd, 2020 it will be!
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Show time: 7:30pm
It needs to be told.
On Nov 3rd, 2020 it will be!
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Show time: 7:30pm
Or call the box office at: (905) 787-8811
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“I am eternally grateful to the
USC Shoah Foundation for giving my father the opportunity to share his story with us all.” - Adi Berkovits, Composer |