A pioneering new musical that combines musical theatre,
live classical music and visual art
Based on the memoirs of Jewish refugee musicians who escaped Nazi Germany and found refuge in Shanghai in the 1930s and ’40s, this musical shares how music helped them to survive the war and how they taught classical music to the local Chinese.
The creators of Shanghai Sonatas honor the Shanghai Jewish refugee musicians from Germany and Austria, and the many others who traveled to China before them, and the Chinese who studied abroad, for bringing classical music to China.
Today, China has millions of students learning classical music. We hope the unifying power of music will continue to spread to many other countries.
About
- A two-act (140-min) musical for family audience ages 8 and up
- Promotes classical music, AAPI history and art, Genocide & Holocaust awareness, unity and diversity
- The music composed by Sean Gao is inspired by Jewish and Chinese traditional music, European classical music, and musical theatre
- A theatrical concert version is available
- Created by artists & historians from the U.S., China, and Europe
- Violins of Hope and Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum Touring Exhibitions
- Educational activities designed for classroom and community outreach