The Austrian government honored him. Austrian people loved him. Hermann Leopoldi was one of the pre-eminent composers of early jazz-influenced Viennese Cabaret music. A beloved musical figure in pre-WWII Austria, Leopoldi continued to write music in a concentration camp, including one of the best known of such compositions, the Buchenwaldlied. His release from the camp was purchased with a large bribe, allowing him to come to the United States for the majority of the war. Post WWII, Leopoldi accepted the request of the Austrian government to return to Austria to help rebuild the musical arts.
This event is a celebration of the multi-faceted career of Hermann Leopoldi, and is made possible as a result of the relationship between Prof. Vladimir Chernov and Ronald Leopoldi (son of Hermann). It will feature performances by UCLA Alpert School faculty, students and alumni, including Vladimir Chernov, Victoria Kirsch, Finn Sagal, Emily Scott, Danielle Segen and Thomas Segen. Eva Schwarzmann will also perform and Ronald Leopoldi will read excerpts of his father's memoir.
This event is made possible by the Lowell Milken Fund for American Jewish Music at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. It is co-sponsored by the Department of Musicology.