Video: James Conlon & Johnny Gandelsman Reflect on Music of the Holocaust

By WFMT |

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In the latest Classical Conversations — in conjunction with the WTTW premiere of The U.S. and the Holocaust, a new film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, & Sarah Botstein — WFMT general manager George Preston interviews two Grammy winners: conductor James Conlon and musician Johnny Gandelsman.

Conlon is dedicated to focusing widespread attention on composers silenced by the Nazi regime, often programming this lesser-known repertoire throughout Europe and North America.

Gandelsman produced the soundtrack for The U.S. and the Holocaust,' which includes original music created for the film by Kinan Azmeh, Shanir Blumenkranz, Dan Brantigan, Jason Moran, and others.

The conversation focuses on the importance of spotlighting the music of these silenced composers and the vital role of storytelling through music in the Jewish community. We also hear excerpts from the soundtrack.