Forbidden Music Regained

Forbidden Music Regained

At Donemus, we are proud to support the Forbidden Music Regained project, a vital initiative dedicated to rediscovering and reviving the musical works of composers whose voices were silenced during the Nazi regime. These composers, many of whom were persecuted, exiled, or tragically lost their lives, created remarkable music that deserves to be heard today.

 

Our Mission

The Forbidden Music Regained project aims to bring these suppressed compositions back to life by preserving, publishing, and promoting their scores. In collaboration with the Leo Smit Foundation, the Dutch Music Institute  and other partners, Donemus ensures that these works stay accessible to performers, researchers, and audiences worldwide, honoring the legacy of these resilient artists. Together, we are committed to ensuring that these forgotten voices are heard once more, enriching the global repertoire of contemporary classical music.

 

The Composers and Their Stories

From Jewish composers like Leo Smit and Rosy Wertheim to others who faced oppression due to their cultural or political identities, the project uncovers a rich tapestry of music spanning various styles and genres. Each score tells a story of creativity, resistance, and survival against unimaginable odds. Through meticulous archival research and restoration, we are able to present these works in high-quality editions, ready for contemporary performances and recordings.

 

Our Achievements

Since its inception, the Forbidden Music Regained project has:

  • Published over 100 rediscovered scores by suppressed composers, in five volumes: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5
  • Facilitated performances in concert halls across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
  • Collaborated with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists to bring these works to new audiences.
  • Created educational resources to share the historical and cultural significance of these compositions.
  • Organised several festivals in collaboration with the Amsterdam Conservatory, resulting in world premieres of a number of previously unheard works.
  • Released many new works on all major streaming platforms (click to access previous years’ releases: 2021, 2022, 2023).

Get Involved

Join us in celebrating and sharing this extraordinary music. Whether you’re a musician looking to perform these works, a researcher exploring their historical context, or a supporter wishing to contribute to our mission, there are many ways to get involved:

  • Explore the Scores: Visit our webshop to browse and purchase scores from the Forbidden Music Regained collection.
  • Attend a Performance: Stay updated on upcoming concerts featuring these works by subscribing to our newsletter.
  • Support the Project: Consider donating to the Leo Smit Foundation to help us continue our work in preserving and promoting these compositions.

 

Contact Us to Learn More

Forbidden Music Regained on Spotify

Forbidden Music Regained on SoundCloud

Published 5 months ago
magnifiercrosschevron-down