Harry Haft survived through his skills as a boxer for the entertainment of the Nazis in Auschwitz. Others imprisoned at the camp—including Benjamin Jacobs, a dentist—have mentioned in their testimonies that their professional usefulness to their captors may have saved their lives. Besides boxing, another form of entertainment for the Nazis at Auschwitz was the camp orchestra. The Visual History Archive has the testimonies of several musicians who recount their experiences playing in the orchestra.
Anita Lasker Wallfisch on the Auschwitz Orchestra
Anita Lasker Wallfisch recalls how she came to be the cellist in the female orchestra in Auschwitz. She talks extensively about the orchestra's conductor and music instructor, Alma, painting her in a positive light.
Anita Lasker Wallfisch on the Auschwitz Orchestra
Language: English
Anita Lasker Wallfisch recalls how she came to be the cellist in the female orchestra in Auschwitz. She talks extensively about the orchestra's conductor and music instructor, Alma, painting her in a positive light.
Shony Braun on performing in the Auschwitz Orchestra
Language: English
Shony Braun a violinist, recalls being selected to play music for the SS officers at Dachau. He believes that he would’ve been killed if not for his ability to play music.
Joseph Horn on the Auschwitz Camp Orchestra
Language: English
Joseph Horn describes the Auschwitz camp orchestra, which was made up of some of the best musicians in Europe. He distinctly remembers that the orchestra's concerts every Sunday were scheduled so the local townspeople could come into the camp after church and attend the concert.
Day 42 of 70 Days of Testimony: Benjamin Jacobs on being a dentist in Auschwitz
Language: English
Benjamin Jacobs discusses how his forced labor assignment was to serve as a dentist in Auschwitz. This is the 42nd testimony clip in the series 70 Days of Testimony: Leading up to the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz.
Louis Bannet on How Trumpet Saved His Life
Language: English
Famous jazz trumpeter and violinist Louis Bannet talks about his experience auditioning for the Auschwitz camp orchestra and how his talent saved his life. April 30 is International Jazz Day.
Agnes Kun
Language: English
Jewish Survivor
Agnes describes her experience working in the camp hospital at Auschwitz II-Birkenau and her good fortune for her work assignment as a medical assistant. She attributes her survival to her cousin, a prisoner doctor, for giving her this opportunity.
DOB: 5/3/1926
City of birth: Satu Mare
Country of birth: Romania
Ghettos: Satu Mare (Romania)
Camps: Salzwedel (Germany), Auschwitz (Poland), Braunschweig (Germany)