“Songs of the Persecuted” Concert to Mark Kristallnacht Anniversary – Urgent Breaking News
Oberlohberg, Germany – A deeply moving and timely concert, “Songs of the Persecuted,” will take place this Sunday, November 9th, at 11 a.m. in the Kulturkirche Herz Jesu Oberlohberg. This event isn’t just a performance; it’s a powerful act of remembrance, coinciding with the anniversary of Kristallnacht – the Night of Broken Glass – a pivotal and horrific moment in history. This is breaking news for those interested in historical remembrance and cultural events promoting tolerance and understanding.
Remembering the Past, Confronting the Present
The concert features a poignant blend of music and poetry, with guitar accompaniment, and includes verses by Hanns Dieter Hüsch and other poets who have critically examined the Nazi era and its enduring consequences. Historian Stefan Querl, director of the Villa ten Hompel memorial site in Münster, joins musicians Tassilo Rinecker and Jonas Höltig to present this impactful program. The trio first premiered “Songs of the Persecuted” seven years ago in Krzyżowa, Silesia, a location now dedicated to German-Polish reconciliation.
A History of Remembrance and a Call for Vigilance
Since its premiere, the concert has resonated with audiences in concert halls, synagogues, churches, universities, and schools across Germany. It’s a testament to the enduring need to confront the horrors of the past and to actively combat hatred, incitement, and extremism in the present. The program serves as a beacon of hope and clarity, reminding us of the importance of a positive and encouraging historical culture. This event is particularly relevant in today’s climate, where extremist ideologies are, unfortunately, on the rise.
Local Roots, Global Resonance: The Story of Stefan Querl
The concert’s connection to the Lower Rhine region is strengthened by the inclusion of poems from Stefan Querl, a Dinslaken native. Querl, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to preserving the memory of the Nazi era at the Villa ten Hompel memorial site, reflects on how perspectives have evolved. “At the end of the 1980s,” he recalls, “we weren’t as critical of the language used by Nazi perpetrators. We still adopted their term Kristallnacht. It’s completely different now.” This shift in language and understanding underscores the ongoing process of historical reckoning and the importance of challenging harmful narratives. Querl, a former contributor to the NRZ newspaper, also has deep ties to the local community, having attended Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium in Dinslaken and being involved with both Protestant and Catholic youth groups.
Beyond November 9th: The Importance of Historical Awareness
The anniversary of Kristallnacht serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the dangers of unchecked hatred. Events like “Songs of the Persecuted” are crucial for fostering empathy, promoting critical thinking, and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. The concert isn’t simply about remembering what happened; it’s about actively building a more just and equitable future. Understanding the historical context of extremism is vital for recognizing and countering it in all its forms. This event is a powerful example of how art and history can intersect to create meaningful social impact.
Admission to “Songs of the Persecuted” is free and open to the public at Kirchstraße 278 in Oberlohberg. For more information about the program and the songbook, visit https://lieder-von-ver Followen.de/. Stay informed with archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth coverage of events shaping our world.
