The Catholic University of America

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WHAT:

Presentation: “Remembering Kristallnacht”
WHEN:

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Catholic University of America
John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library, May Gallery
620 Michigan Ave. N.E.
Washington, D.C.
 
DETAILS: In 2007, a record and transcript were found in the American Catholic History Research Center and University Archives of The Catholic University of America. The record and transcript revealed a 27-minute radio broadcast from the campus on the evening of Nov. 16, 1938. That broadcast was placed on the airwaves through the collaborative efforts of NBC and CBS, and featured members of the Catholic hierarchy and clergy — including the rector of Catholic University — and laity from around the country. It was among the earliest reactions in the United States to the Nazi-instigated pogrom against Germany’s Jews on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938. Today those events are referred to as Kristallnacht, or “the night of broken glass,” and are regarded as the start of the Holocaust.


The Nov. 14 event will include a historical presentation by Maria Mazzenga, education archivist, and a recorded composition by Joseph A. Santo, composer and assistant dean of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. Santo composed a piece titled “Malachey Elyon,” using several texts from the actual broadcast. Under the direction of David Searle, conductor and assistant professor of music, the work was premiered in 2010 on campus by the CUA Symphony Orchestra and a chorus composed of faculty and students of the music school.

Refreshments will be served after the presentations.

For more information, call Mazzenga at 202-319-5065. 
SPONSOR: University Libraries

 

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