Cart
Free US shipping over $10
Proud to be B-Corp

Ashes to Light Nelly Ben-Or

Ashes to Light By Nelly Ben-Or

Ashes to Light by Nelly Ben-Or


$17.49
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Moving Holocaust memoir, describing a Holocaust childhood and a career in music

Ashes to Light Summary

Ashes to Light: A Holocaust Childhood and a Life in Music by Nelly Ben-Or

Born into a Jewish family in Lvov, Poland in the early-1930s, Nelly Ben-Or was to experience, at a very young age, the trauma of the Holocaust. This narrative of her life's journey describes the survival of Nelly, her mother and her older sister. With help from family and friends, Nelly and her mother were smuggled out of the Ghetto in Lvov and escaped to Warsaw with false identity papers where they were under constant threat of discovery. Miraculously, they survived being taken on a train to Auschwitz, deported not, in fact, because they were Jews, but as citizens of Warsaw following the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis. After the end of the war, Nelly's musical talent was free to flourish, at first in Poland and then in the recently-created State of Israel, where Nelly completed her musical studies as a scholarship student at the Music Academy in Jerusalem. Following her move to England she carried out a full concert career and also discovered the Alexander Technique for piano playing, which had a profound influence on her. Today Nelly Ben-Or is internationally regarded as the leading exponent of the application of principles of the Alexander Technique - she teaches in the keyboard department of London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, runs Alexander Technique masterclasses and regularly gives talks about her Holocaust experience. This unique memoir is testimony to an extraordinary life and illustrates the strength of the human condition when faced with adversity.

Ashes to Light Reviews

`An inspiring story, beautifully written, that tells of a young Jewish girl's survival in Nazi-occupied Poland, hidden by a series of righteous Christians who risked their lives by their actions, supported by a wealthy Uncle (also living a hidden life) and above all by the indomitable spirit and faith of the author and her mother. In hiding, the dream of Nelly Ben-Or was to become a concert pianist and after liberation we see her make this dream a reality, helped by her discovery of the Alexander Technique and, again, good people entering her life at the right times.' - Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, President, Liberal Judaism, `This is a brilliant and deeply moving personal account. Nelly Ben-Or's retelling of a story, so familiar to us, is written through her own childhood's eyes in words of such poignant simplicity that they sing to us across the clamour of the intervening years. One cannot help but be moved to tears.' - Jonathan Vaughan, Vice Principal and Director of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, `This eminently readable book is both historical and personal testimony, narrating Nelly's spiritual journey with enriching, introspective detail. Like her recitals, masterclasses, and summer courses, it promises to inspire pianists, musicians, scholars, as well as all those interested in the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.' - Dr Malcolm Miller, Hon Associate, the Open University and Editor of Arietta: Journal of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe, This is a deeply inspiring story, told with utmost honesty and simplicity. Caught up in the Holocaust, a young Jewish girl dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. The obstacles were unimaginable, but with courage and determination that is genuinely awe inspiring, she not only survived, but succeeded and made her dream into reality. Having related the extraordinary events of her life, Nelly Ben-Or expresses both her gratitude towards those who helped her and her desire to help young people today. She generously shares her knowledge, experience, and the underlying wellspring which is her passion for music. - Dr. Lillian Buss Pearson, formerly Associate Professor of Piano, Western Carolina University

About Nelly Ben-Or

Nelly Ben-Or is a distinguished pianist and piano teacher. Born in Poland, she survived the Holocaust and now lives in London. She teaches in the keyboard department at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has broadcast frequent recitals for the BBC, performed at major concert venues in the UK and in many countries overseas. In 1963 she qualified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique - the first professional pianist to do so. She is now internationally-recognised as a leading exponent of the technique. She regularly gives masterclasses at music conservatoires, universities and at her own twice-yearly international courses in London. She regularly gives talks about her Holocaust experience, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day.

Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgements PART I: THE WAR YEARS 1 September 1939 - Nazis invade Poland Beginnings of the Nightmare In the ghetto and escape Continuous hiding Warsaw A brief haven of peace Trembacka Street, Warsaw Warsaw Uprising Proszkow - semi-freedom The last winter of the war End of Nazi Occupation Beginning of new life PART II: JOURNEYS THROUGH LIFE 13. Fulfilment through Learning 14. New influences - literature 15. Jasia, Poldi, Julian 16. To the promised land - Israel 17. Henrietta Michaelson and the Jerusalem Music Academy 18. The Mozart competition and public concerts 19. Marriage to Gabi Ben-Or 20. Death of Henrietta PART III: ENGLAND FROM 1960 21. London - the Alexander Technique 22. Shadows from the Past - inner illness 23. Married to Roger Clynes 24. Various journeys 25. Reflections Appendices

Additional information

GOR009172486
9781788313094
1788313097
Ashes to Light: A Holocaust Childhood and a Life in Music by Nelly Ben-Or
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
2018-01-30
224
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Ashes to Light