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 to Romania.
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 with the USC Shoah Foundation. 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. |
The story of my father’s journey home is one of courage, hope and survival.
It needs to be shared!
It needs to be shared!
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.
In April of 2021, I was honoured to be asked by the UJA to take part of Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). This video was broadcast as part of the 90 min program across Canada with an introduction from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
I'm grateful for my good friend and master violinist Gabriele Schiavi (from Italy) who took part in this video.
I'm grateful for my good friend and master violinist Gabriele Schiavi (from Italy) who took part in this video.
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The Journey Home - Theme Song aka "Reunion"
Had an INCREDIBLY amazing (and fun) vocal recording session with @jacobmoonmusic !!! With such a kind and caring sensitivity, Jacob’s voice will be featured on multiple songs throughout The Journey Home live concert.
In this session with my trustworthy Producer/Music Director Marc Ganetakos we tracked vocal for the big FINALE song aka "Reunion" where his voice will musically represent my fathers thoughts and feelings as he reunited with his long lost sisters in Romania. Truthfully had tears in my eyes when I heard Jacob sing the bridge.
Can you say EPIC? Kind of doesn’t get any better.
You’re a true artist in total control of your instrument Jacob. Thank you my friend 🙏🏻🎶❤️
Here is a sample of "The Journey Home" on Soundcloud!
Had an INCREDIBLY amazing (and fun) vocal recording session with @jacobmoonmusic !!! With such a kind and caring sensitivity, Jacob’s voice will be featured on multiple songs throughout The Journey Home live concert.
In this session with my trustworthy Producer/Music Director Marc Ganetakos we tracked vocal for the big FINALE song aka "Reunion" where his voice will musically represent my fathers thoughts and feelings as he reunited with his long lost sisters in Romania. Truthfully had tears in my eyes when I heard Jacob sing the bridge.
Can you say EPIC? Kind of doesn’t get any better.
You’re a true artist in total control of your instrument Jacob. Thank you my friend 🙏🏻🎶❤️
Here is a sample of "The Journey Home" on Soundcloud!
Latest News: July 10, 2020
Hi Everyone,
Hope everybody is staying safe and hanging in during these crazy times.
As you know, back in March, I made the conscious decision to postpone "The Journey Home" live concert to Nov 3, 2020.
The safety for all audience members, musicians and crew always remains my top priority. It's quite clear that this Nov date will not safely be possible, and there's no way to really know when we'll be able to go ahead with the live show.
However, the show WILL GO ON...but only when it's 100% SAFE for everybody. The show is a tribute to perseverance and survival. These days more than ever, it will be a real celebration for us all once we get to the new "normal".
The theatre is processing 100% refunds for all ticket holders. If you don't receive your refund by the end of July, please send me a direct message and I'll look into it right away.
Thank you always for your continued love and support.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Adi
--------------------
PS: As we all go through our own "journey" these days, I'm working very hard on some exciting and very cool things to share with you regarding the project so please stay tuned! 🎶😁
Hi Everyone,
Hope everybody is staying safe and hanging in during these crazy times.
As you know, back in March, I made the conscious decision to postpone "The Journey Home" live concert to Nov 3, 2020.
The safety for all audience members, musicians and crew always remains my top priority. It's quite clear that this Nov date will not safely be possible, and there's no way to really know when we'll be able to go ahead with the live show.
However, the show WILL GO ON...but only when it's 100% SAFE for everybody. The show is a tribute to perseverance and survival. These days more than ever, it will be a real celebration for us all once we get to the new "normal".
The theatre is processing 100% refunds for all ticket holders. If you don't receive your refund by the end of July, please send me a direct message and I'll look into it right away.
Thank you always for your continued love and support.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Adi
--------------------
PS: As we all go through our own "journey" these days, I'm working very hard on some exciting and very cool things to share with you regarding the project so please stay tuned! 🎶😁
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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 |