Manchester Jewish Museum

Experience the power of music and memory in this award-winning program, which brings to life songs inspired by the poetry of women Holocaust survivors.

During this evening performance, Lenka Lichtenberg will perform selections from her acclaimed albums: ‘Thieves of Dreams – Songs of Theresienstadt’s Secret Poetess’ and ‘Silent Tears, The Last Yiddish Tango’. The program will also feature other songs written during the Holocaust.

Most songs will be sung in Yiddish, with English translations projected on-screen and narrated by music producer, filmmaker, and journalist Dan Rosenburg. From uplifting songs of hope to mournful laments, these performances convey an emotional depth rarely captured in song.

Thieves of Dreams is based on poetry written by Lenka’s grandmother while imprisoned at Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. The album won a Juno Award in 2023, Canada’s top music prize.

Silent Tears, The Last Yiddish Tango draws on the testimonies of women Holocaust survivors from Poland, including works based on the diary and memoir of Molly Applebaum, now 95 and living in Toronto. The project began as a poetry initiative led by Dr. Paula David to help survivors process long-term trauma. The album has received multiple accolades, including Germany’s Ruth Weltmusikpreis (World Music Prize), a Canadian Folk Music Award, Best Album at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, and reached #1 on the World Music Charts Europe.

Join us for an evening of beautiful, moving music that journeys from the joys of love to the hardships endured under tyranny. Let’s come together to honour and celebrate the courage, resilience, and stories of the women whose poetry inspires these works.

ABOUT LENKA

Lenka Lichtenberg is a Canadian musician, composer, and producer who draws on the rich, intercultural Toronto soundscapes she has long immersed herself in, to create her own unique global sound. With her striking, crystalline voice leading the way, the 2023 JUNO Award, Canadian Folk Music and International Independent Music Award winner aspires to build bridges among cultures and transcend the artificial boundaries between folk, jazz and world music in a passionate and often deeply spiritual celebration of her roots. Since relocating to Toronto after spending her early days as a notable child star in her native Prague, the multilingual vocalist has been a prolific collaborator and has also released seven albums of her own. Two of her outings were released worldwide on the U.K.’s ARC Music label.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The age guidance for this performance is 16+. The performance contains difficult themes, including death and sexual violence.

Doors will be open from 6pm for the performance to begin at 7pm. Our Cafe will be open for food and drinks before the show, from 6pm.

The museum does not have a cloakroom and we are unable to store bags so we would advise not bringing large bags with you when you visit.

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