Courage, Resilience and Artistry: The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz-Birken

The women’s orchestra at Auschwitz-Birkenau, composed entirely of prisoners, was unique in the Nazi camp system. Dr. Susan Eischeid, who spent decades researching the orchestra and interviewing survivors, will present a history of the ensemble and dispel some of the myths surrounding it. She will also discuss conductor and virtuoso violinist, Alma Rosé, and founder, Maria Mandl, Head Overseer of the women's camp and one of the worst perpetrators of the Holocaust.

Dr. Susan J. Eischeid is an author, musician, and teacher, specializing in the music of the Holocaust. Professor Emeritus of Oboe at Valdosta State University, she has spent two decades researching the women’s orchestra at Auschwitz-Birkenau. She is the author of Mistress of Life and Death: The Dark Journey of Maria Mandl, Head Overseer of the Women’s Camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau and The Truth about Fania Fénelon and the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

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Host or Publisher Greensboro Public Library