Concert to Honor Holocaust Survivors a Huge Success!

On Sunday, May 5th, in partnership with Jewish Family Service of Orange County (JFS), SageArts produced a beautiful concert of powerful songs written with local Holocaust survivors. The Mount St Mary Aquinas Theatre held 450 attendees drawn to hear the stories of Survivors through song. In the introduction, Colette Ruoff, Founder and President, stated “ We see examples every day of dehumanizing behavior toward people because of difference, whether it be religious or ethnic. We know this behavior is rooted in fear and greed. Our response to this is to create more love and community connection, to increase our ability to be courageous and strong together”.

Seven songwriters with SageArts presented songs including Kelleigh McKenzie, Elizabeth Clark, Michael Veitch, Jude Roberts, Bonnie Meadow, Jen Clapp and Elise Pittelman. The arrangements were beautiful with Gabe Dresdale on Cello, Marianne Tasick on Violin, Lou Pappas on Bass and Neil Eisenberg on Accordian and Piano. Julie Last was the Musical Director who pulled the songs together, developed beautiful arrangements with the songwriters and led the group to bring out the beauty and depth of each song.

We are deeply grateful for the partnership with Elise Gold, Executive Director of JFS for her vision and inspiration to honor Holocaust Survivors’ stories in song through our partnership. We look forward to continuing our partnership, working with Holocaust Survivors in Ulster, Dutchess and Rockland County over the next 2 years.