Orchestra of Exiles

Gr 10 Up—One of Hitler's less well-known maniacal movements in the 1930s was to purge orchestras of their Jewish musicians. While much of the world watched as the Nazis accelerated this and other hate-driven agendas, a young violinist quietly began to gather displaced and threatened artists with the ultimate goal of leading them to safety in Palestine. This moving documentary follows Bronislaw Huberman from his youth as he resists the German effort at stifling the creative mission of musicians. Told through a rich blend of dramatic recreations, striking vintage photographs, live footage, interviews with Huberman's contemporaries as well as historians and celebrated musicians, and loving interviews with and narration by Huberman's son, this chronicle details the brave artist's political, social, religious, and economic struggles. Huberman ultimately relocated over 1000 Jews and formed what eventually became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to a chapter selection option, the well-paced program includes five extras; "Why Jews Stayed in Europe" is particularly captivating. The film will be welcome in a number of classroom settings and can be used as a research tool.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL