The shipowner Albert Ballin turned Hamburg into a central hub for Jewish migrants from Eastern Europe who were fleeing pogroms and poor living conditions. Over two million Jews travelled to the United States on Hapag ships during this period. Ballin ensured that the emigration halls in Veddel offered better conditions from 1901 onwards, including heated accommodation, lounges and a synagogue, which made the journey easier for many. Among them were the ancestors of George Gershwin. The Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg and musical guests commemorate the man who made this exodus possible – and thus had a lasting impact on the history of Hapag, Hamburg and the American jazz world.
The Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg plays popular, classical and world-premiere compositions, with the HfMT Big Band performing a medley by Irving Berlin and star pianist Levi Schechtmann combining classical virtuosity with modern sounds.. Gustav Peter Wöhler reads, and as a festive finale, the Jewish Chamber Orchestra plays a new interpretation of Hava Nagila – and sings it with all the performers and the audience.
PERFORMERS
Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg chamber orchestra
Bigband der HfMT Hamburg bigband
Alexandra Lachmann vocals
Levi Schechtmann piano
Charlotte Melkonian violoncello
Emanuel Meshvinski director and moderation
Gustav Peter Wöhler reading
PROGRAM
Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator für Kultur und Medien der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg
opening remarks
Irving Berlin
White Christmas, Blue Skies, Cheek to Cheek
Emanuel Meshvinski
Begrüßung
Edvard Moritz
Molto Andante
Gustav Peter Wöhler
reading
- Interval -
New work for violoncello and orchestra (world premiere)
Gustav Peter Wöhler
reading
George Gershwin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F major
Emanuel Meshvinski
expressions of gratitude
Hava Nagila
audience and musicians singing together
