The Wasserman Jewish Studies Center (WJSC) is proud to present this program in commemoration of Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” a coordinated wave of Nazi violence against Jews across Germany and Austria on November 9–10, 1938. Kristallnacht marked a major escalation in the Nazi regime’s persecution of European Jews: synagogues were burned, Jewish homes and businesses were destroyed, Jews were assaulted and killed, and approximately 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps. This special concert honors the memory of the victims of Nazi persecution and the enduring voices of Jewish culture and resilience.

The evening is dedicated to the memory of Professor Dr. Zsuzsanna Ozsváth (1930–2026), a beloved scholar, teacher, author, translator, Holocaust survivor, and longtime mentor to WJSC Director Sarah Valente. An accomplished pianist herself, Ozsváth devoted her life and work to the preservation of Holocaust memory and to the enduring values of humanity and hope.

Inspired by Jewish tradition and shaped by the cultural crossroads of Europe, America and Israel, this program celebrates the extraordinary impact of Jewish composers on 20th-century music. Opening with Sergei Prokofiev's colorful Overture on Hebrew Themes—a work by a non-Jewish composer inspired by traditional Jewish melodies—the program continues with music by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold, each reflecting a unique artistic response to Jewish heritage, immigrant experience, and the evolving sound of America.

The program concludes with Raisins and Almonds, an ICP commission by Moshe Zorman, which transforms the beloved Yiddish lullaby into a vibrant contemporary work. Together, these pieces trace a musical journey across continents and generations, celebrating the enduring creativity, resilience, and influence of Jewish voices in classical music.

Sergei Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes 

Aaron Copland Sextet

George Gershwin Porgy and Bess Suite (arr. Carl Davis) Intermission Erich Wolfgang Korngold Suite from Much Ado About Nothing for Cello and Piano Moshe Zorman Raisins and Almonds for Clarinet Quintet (ICP Commission. US Premiere)

Kobi Malkin violin

Amy Schwartz Moretti  violin Guy Ben-Ziony Viola Michal Korman cello Tibi Cziger clarinet

Assaff Weisman piano

Presented by Baruch Performing Arts Center