Bernard Foccroulle’s moving portrait of a Parisian Jewish student deported to Auschwitz is brought to life by mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb, pianist Rachael Kerr, and the Dior Quartet.
Written between 1942 and 1944 by a Parisian Jewish student who was deported to Auschwitz in March 1944 and died in April 1945, a few days before the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen camp, it took 63 years for Hélène Berr's journal to be published,
When he read the manuscript of the journal, the Belgian composer Bernard Foccroulle was overwhelmed and captivated by what it contained in terms of zest for life, lightness, and love. He then wrote a lyrical drama for voice, piano, and string quartet, the libretto of which is taken from the journal. The premiere of this work took place in May 2023 in Cherbourg and was followed by nearly 20 performances in France. The performances at the RCM mark the work’s North American premiere.
Tunisian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb has drawn international recognition for her clear, sensuous vocal tone and her dramatic flair. With a versatile instrument that allows her to shine in repertoire from Monteverdi, Handel, and Mozart through Bizet, Verdi, and Glass, she has been praised by The New York Times for her “lush, rich voice” and “assurance and ringing might.”
Pianist Rachael Kerr is a versatile performer, frequently appearing as a soloist, collaborator, coach, and chamber musician. She was the head coach for the Canadian Opera Company’s production of
Cunning Little Vixen and has also been part of developing world premieres by Rufus Wainwright, Ana Sokolović, and Ian Cusson. She was recently the Dora Award nominated music director for Against the Grain Theatre’s
Figaro’s Wedding. Ms. Kerr also serves as a collaborative pianist for The Glenn Gould School.
The Dior Quartet is a dynamic ensemble with roots from Israel, Korea, Canada, Saint Lucia, and the USA, currently serving as the Quartet-in-Residence at The Glenn Gould School. The quartet was one of the winners of the Concert Artists Guild Elmaleh Competition and performed in numerous competitions and programs such as the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition and the McGill International String Quartet Academy.
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