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The Last Musician of Auschwitz

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The Last Musician of Auschwitz

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Summary

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, this documentary tells the story of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, the only surviving member of the women's orchestra at Auschwitz. Now 99, Anita reveals how when she arrived at the camp, a chance mention that she played the cello saved her life, as she was allowed to join one of the orchestras ordered to play marches as the prisoners carried out their work. The film also examines how music at Auschwitz could be a lifeline to others, including Polish political prisoner and conductor Adam Kopycinski, Polish composer Syzmon Laks and Czech and Jewish songwriter Ilse Weber

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Review

John Aizlewood

“It cannot be that bad if they have concerts here,” says one unidentified Auschwitz survivor as she recalls her entry into the camp, serenaded by orchestra-standard musicians. Her optimism was, of course, tragically misplaced. This harrowing documentary (first shown in January) shows how music played a pivotal role at Auschwitz, where, grotesquely and surreally, slave labourers went to and from work, accompanied by impeccably played marches. For the musicians, their skills meant the difference between life and death.

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8.4/10

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rolenameExecutive producerAlan ClementsExecutive producerDanny CohenExecutive producerEmily BlavatnikProducerDeborah LeeDirectorToby Trackman

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Released on

2025-01-01

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Colour

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