CF Holocaust Cantata DVD Available at Libraries

Nov. 1, 2011

The Senior Learning Institute at the College of Central Florida has announced that “The Holocaust Cantata: Songs from the Camps,” a DVD of the West Port High School performance of the same name, is now available through all Florida libraries.

Copies of the DVD are ready for loan at Marion, Alachua and Brevard County libraries and can be requested at other Florida libraries through interlibrary loan.

The West Port cantata performance was the culmination of an art appreciation class, A Slice of Tragic History to an On-Stage Holocaust Cantata, with instructor Karen Eileen. Ocala-area Holocaust survivors, children and grandchildren of survivors were narrators of the camp stories written by survivors and arranged by Donald McCullough.

The performance was a collaboration of the CF Senior Learning Institute, Dr. Wayne Earnest and the Marion Civic Chorale, Ana Jacobs and the Light of Joy Ballet Company, and West Port High School. During five performances following the class, the cantata was seen by more than 2,000 people in Marion andCitrus counties.

The DVD was produced by Eileen, videotaped by TLV Video Artistry with support from CF and Vanguard High School, and was edited by TLV Artistry and Eileen. For information regarding the DVD, contact Jerone Gamble at 352-854-2322, ext. 1282.

The next scheduled public showing of the DVD will be on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., Temple Shir Shalom, 3855 N.W. Eighth Ave., Gainesville. There is no fee to attend.

The Florida Holocaust Mandate requires instruction on the Holocaust for all students in kindergarten through grade 12. “Ultimately, the establishment of Holocaust studies in Florida schools is expected to play a significant role in the development of tolerant attitudes, cooperative and collaborative behaviors, informed, involved and compassionate citizens, and other skills encouraging civility,” according to Florida statute.