L'dor V'dor Series 2023 - Kris Clancy, 'Mahler and the Nazis: The Attempt to Destroy Jewish Music'

Under the Nazi regime, all music produced had to fit within certain standards defined as "good" German music. Suppression of specific artists and their works was common, with some musicians being permitted limited artistic freedom.

All musical compositions made by Jews or “Jew-sympathisers” were expelled from musical jobs or forbidden from being played. The belief was that Germans were contaminated by Jews and “Jewish music”.

This act of censorship ended hundreds of gifted musicians' careers and barred them from their place in history, such as Gustav Mahler. The Nazis plan also impacted those inside the concentration camp system, such as Mahler’s niece, Alma Rosé, who founded the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz and saved the lives of 70 women by putting them in the orchestra.

“My day will come when his is ended. If only I might live to see it, with you at my side!” - Mahler to his niece.

Kristopher Clancy BIO:

Kristopher Clancy is the Education Director at The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand since 2019. Kristopher majored in Political Science and Religious Studies at the University of Houston and has a diverse background in community engagement and involvement.

Kristopher has a great passion for educating teens and young adults about human rights and the lessons from history that are very much applicable today and always uses his knowledge from his studies and his experience teaching European History and partnering with New Zealand schools and tertiary institutions to continue the vital work of educating students and adults about the Holocaust.

"The lessons of the Holocaust are still just as important today as they were 75 years ago and the mission and vision of HCNZ are very important. We must reach out to the next generation and impart to them the values that can make this world a more peaceful, equitable place for all to live and thrive."

We look forward to you attending this speaker talk.

A Zoom link will be circulated the week prior to the event.