Feb. 2008: TTS premieres The Yellow Star: Celebrating Extraordinary Acts by Ordinary People

Thanks To Scandinavia event premieres

The Yellow Star: Celebrating Extraordinary Acts by Ordinary People, an original opera by Bradley Detrick

NEW YORK, February 13, 2008… First-time operatic composer/librettist Bradley Detrick brings to life the little-known story of how the Danish people miraculously conspired to save nearly all of the Danish Jews just as the Nazis were coming to take them to concentration camps in 1943.  The world premiere performance of The Yellow Star: Celebrating Extraordinary Acts by Ordinary People transports us to Denmark during the height of World War II, and into the lives of ordinary people as they grapple with the world crumbling around them.  The libretto, a fictional account based on true events, centers around young Carl Jensen, a bright-eyed fan of the Danish king and his friend Brigitte, a young woman dreaming of the Denmark of fairy tales. They and their friends make difficult decisions to act righteously and these seemingly small actions, combined with those of others, ultimately save so many. 

The Yellow Star marks Bradley Detrick’s first foray into the world of opera, though his musical resume is extensive as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. He is most recognizable as the leader of one of Manhattan’s premier party bands, Tribeca Rhythm and is regularly seen coordinating the music for the top private events in New York City. 

The world premiere on Wednesday February 13, 2008 at 6:30pm is being presented in concert form at the Museum of Jewish Heritage -- A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place in NYC.

The event will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the rescue of the Danish Jews and the 45th Anniversary of Thanks To Scandinavia, a scholarship fund honoring the memory and humanity of those who rescued the Jews during WWII. Ambassador Torben Gettermann, Consul General of Denmark, Holocaust survivor William Donat, and Laurie Netter Sprayregen will be giving opening remarks.  The production will feature performers from the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera companies.

For more information on the opera, visit the opera’s official website www.yellowstartheopera.com

For further information about Thanks To Scandinavia call Executive Director Rebecca Neuwirth at (212) 891-1403 or visit www.ThanksToScandinavia.org