Out of Darkness: ATLYS String Quartet

The ATLYS string quartet will present a concert of works by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Viktor Ullmann, Symon Laks, and Leo Smit.

Because they were Jewish, these are four of the many composers who were labeled “degenerate” by the Nazis and banned from public performance during the Third Reich. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy disappeared from the concert stage. Ullmann and Smit were incarcerated in concentration camps, yet continued to write music until their transport to death camps. Laks survived Auschwitz where he directed the camp orchestra.

Dr. Janina Ehrlich, Augustana professor of music, will offer context in words and images. 

The community-wide project, Out of Darkness: Holocaust Messages for Today, is a Quad Cities community-wide project that includes programming to promote dignity, diversity, equity, democratic values, human rights, and the power of the human spirit.

Please note: This programming includes content that may not be suitable for young children.