Charles Ives Music Festival invites the community to join us for a screening of the documentary, "Winter Journey," which is based on Martin Goldsmith’s book "The Inextinguishable Symphony: A True Story of Music and Love in Nazi Germany". Both the book and documentary tell the story of Martin’s search for his family history, in particular the details of his parents’ lives before their emigration and escape from Nazi Germany to the United States in 1941.
Upon confronting his father about that time in his life, Martin learns that his parents met and fell in love as young musicians in 1930’s Germany where they were members of the Kulturbund, or Jewish Cultural Association, the Jews-only orchestra and cultural organization that was created when Jewish citizens of Germany were banned from German cultural institutions in 1933. Set amid the growing tyranny of Germany's Third Reich, this riveting and emotional tale of Günther Goldschmidt and Rosemarie Gumpert, two courageous Jewish musicians who struggled to perform under unimaginable circumstances, follows them to 1941 when they must make a decision whether to leave their families behind or stay in danger. This revelation to Martin, a generation later, is a human story that we can all relate to, as Martin learns about his family history, and thus himself.
Following screening of the film, there will be a brief interview with author Martin Goldsmith conducted by Paul Frucht, Charles Ives Music Festival Artistic Director, where they will discuss the story of the book and documentary. The program will conclude with a special performance of music frequently performed by the Kulturbund members, WWII-era Jewish composers, and a world premiere by Paul Frucht titled Inextinguishable, performed by highly acclaimed chamber musicians violinist Giora Schmidt, cellist Julian Schwarz,and pianist Marika Bournaki.
Tickets are $25-$45 and can be purchased HERE.
For more information on the program, click HERE.
The mission of the Charles Ives Music Festival is to honor the legacy of Charles Ives by bringing American music to the Fairfield County area, a community that is home to one of America’s most famous composers. CIMF concerts regularly feature dynamic and unique artists performing works of 20th and 21st-century American composers, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music. CIMF also provides interactive educational events, centered around the exploration of chamber music, for both children and adults in our community. As a program of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, CIMF furthers the WCYO mission to educate and inspire young musicians through the study and performance of classical and contemporary musical works, participation in enrichment activities, and engagement with the community.