Jewish

Jewish life and culture was obliterated during the German occupation of Czechoslovakia.  The pretence of the Nazi created ghetto of Terezin, confounded by the quality of artistic life that flourished in this way-station to Auschwitz.  It is only in recent years that Czech and Slovak Jews have begun to reclaim their heritage, with  the assisatance of Jewish communities and organisations in Europe and America.

Whilst the work of the Lost Generation of composers who perished during the Holocaust can be found elsewhere on our website, the music from synagogue and communal life is coming back to life in many unexpected ways.  It is reflected in recordings from synagogue chants to Klezmer infused with rock beats.  Outside of Eastern Europe, Jewish music from Spain, Africa and the Balkans is being recreated. 

The cross-currents between all these lands can be found in melodies that travelled across continents adapting themselves to many different Jewish communities.  Click here to discover this extraordinary heritage.