23 January 2026
- 14:00 to 15:00
Talk
Discover the role of music in an astonishing story of survival with award-winning historian Anne Sebba.
In 1943, German SS officers in charge of Auschwitz-Birkenau ordered that an orchestra should be formed among the female prisoners. Almost 50 women and girls were assembled to play marching music to other inmates and to give weekly concerts for Nazi officers.
For almost all the musicians chosen to take part, being in the orchestra was to save their lives. Explore how and why the orchestra was formed, its role in the death camps and the inspiring stories of its members.
This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.
When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.
To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.
This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.