Music as a Lifeline

Oct 14, 2024, 6.30 PM @ Festival Center D'24

Event language: English

Singer-songwriter and author Roxanne de Bastion and Holocaust survivor Pepi Pérez will talk about how art and music have helped them through the most difficult times of their lives and what contribution they can make to remembrance. De Bastion’s book The Piano Player of Budapest tells the story of how her grandfather and his piano survived the Holocaust.

To accompany the book, Roxanne de Bastion has recorded an album of grandfather's music together with guitarist Simon Tong (The Verve / Damon Albarn). Songs from the Piano Player of Budapest consists of restored original recordings, pre-recorded works using her grandfather's original piano and sheet music, as well as reimagined works. (Listen now on Spotify: Link) Roxanne will perform two songs from this album, bringing her grandfather's music back to life as well as shining a light on his story.

The talk will be followed by the film Pepi Fandango, about Pepi Pérez’ life and his search to find the fandango, which he learned from Roma children in a concentration camp.

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Program Info

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Guest

Roxanne de Bastion

Roxanne de Bastion is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and artist advocate. Her music has been praised by critics and artists alike, and she's toured internationally. She's also active in promoting artists' rights, serving on boards and hosting a radio show. Her first book, The Piano Player of Budapest, shares the story of her grandfather.

Media in this event

Book

The Piano Player of Budapest

The Piano Player of Budapest tells the moving story of Stephen de Bastion, a Jewish pianist who endured immense suffering during the Holocaust. His granddaughter Roxanne discovers his hidden diary, learning about his incredible struggle for survival and his unwavering love for music.

Film

Pepi Fandango

Viennese musician and Holocaust survivor Peter Pérez sets off with his best friend in search of the fandango, which he learned from Roma children in a concentration camp. An epic road movie that combines pain and the healing power of music.