An international cast joins the New York Philharmonic for the American premiere of “Émigré,” a semi-staged oratorio that tells an unusual story of Jewish refugees during World War II.
Great Performances “Émigré: A Musical Drama with the NY Philharmonic” airs Friday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Following the Kristallnacht pogrom of 1938, to escape the looming Nazi threat, two brothers are sent halfway around the world to Shanghai. Otto cherishes his heritage, while Josef seeks a new path, and falls in love with Lina, a Chinese woman recovering from the loss of her mother in the Nanjing Massacre.
A sweeping tale of love and loss, “Émigré” is set to music by film and concert composer Aaron Zigman with lyrics by Grammy-winning librettist Mark Campbell and additional lyrics by Brock Walsh. Long Yu conducts this New York Philharmonic co-commission with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
Photo: Cast members • Credit: Chris Lee