History Extra podcast The women's orchestra of Auschwitz
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Apr 10, 2025 
Join author Anne Sebba, who specializes in Holocaust history, as she discusses the compelling story of the all-female orchestra in Auschwitz. Discover how these musicians used music as a means of survival under the Nazis. Sebba reveals the transformation brought by conductor Alma Rosé and explores the emotional complexities faced by the players amid immense suffering. The podcast delves into personal narratives, resilience, and the often-overlooked experiences of women during this dark time, highlighting their strength and sisterhood.
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Music as Torture
- The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz was unique as the only all-female orchestra in Nazi camps and prisons.
- Music, typically associated with pleasure, was perversely used as a tool of control and torture.
Orchestra Formation
- The orchestra began in 1943 under Zofia Tchaikowska, playing Polish folk songs turned into marches.
- Alma Rosé, a renowned musician and niece of Gustav Mahler, later became the conductor, elevating the orchestra's quality.
Alma Rosé's Discovery
- Alma Rosé's musical talent was discovered when she requested a violin before entering an experimental block.
- The Nazis, despite deeming Jewish music degenerate, exploited Jewish musicians' talents for their own purposes.