La orquesta de mujeres de Auschwitz : Una historia de supervivencia

In 1943, the German SS officers in charge of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp ordered the formation of an orchestra among the prisoners. For nine crucial months, between 1943 and 1944, Alma Rosé, a virtuoso violinist and niece of Gustav Mahler, recruited and conducted the best performers from among the vast captive population, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or native language. Nearly fifty women and girls from 11 countries made up this band, which was forced to play marches in all weather conditions and give weekly concerts for the Nazi officers. Occasionally, some of its members were also invited to give solo performances. For almost all the chosen musicians, being part of the orchestra saved their lives, but at what price? Award-winning British historian Anne Sebba draws on meticulous archival research and previously unpublished firsthand accounts to tell, for the first time, the complete and astonishing story of the orchestra, its members, and the response of other prisoners. From Rosé to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, the teenage cellist and last surviving member who decided to share the story, this is a comprehensive journey through those crucial moments and figures.