Doctor Honoris Causa | Connect the World | 20211119 | 1-memo•com
At yesterday’s ‘Night at the Opera’ in the Brussels opera house De Munt | La Monnaie , five new honorary doctorates were welcomed to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel community by rector Caroline Pauwels : the American science communicator Ann Druyan, artist William Kentridge, Brussels politician Pierre Kompany and world renowned immune scientists Antoni Ribas and Thierry Boon Falleur. The spotlight was also on the honorary doctors Koenraad Tinel en Simon Gronowski for their extraordinary friendship.
Partners were the Université libre de Bruxelles, Erasmus University College Brussels, Ghent University, the University of the Western Cape of South Africa, the Brussels Parliament, our university hospital UZ Brussel, the VUB Orchestra directed by Jurgen Wayenberg and guest conductor, composer, Dirk Brossé.
Here a short film of the group scene photographed at the closing of the ceremony.
Applause PUSH Revisited @ IMAGINAIR | 20211003 | Miracles•Media | Applause today at the closing of Howard Moody’s opera “PUSH — revisited” a tribute to Simon Gronowski & Koenraad Tinel.
A reworked version of parts of the PUSH opera by composer, librettist, Howard Moody, three soloists, and amateur singers and musicians from the Chamber music ensemble of La Monnaie, hosted by creative collective IMAGINAIR and set amid the sculptures of Koenraad Tinel’s expo TIDES in Belgium | IMAGINAIR | imaginair•be .
@HowardMoodyComposer @koenraad.tinel ‘s work @_imaginair_
Simon’s PUSH Premiere | 20210910 | Miracles•Media | Simon Gronowski takes the air after first time watching Howard Moody’s community opera PUSH at the pre-premiere Friday Sep 30th 2016 in the De La Warr Pavilion on the seafront in Bexhill On Sea, UK.
NEWS – PUSH revisited 2021
October 3, 2021 near Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium – Info and Tickets @ imaginair•be
“PUSH revisited” is a reworked version of parts of the PUSH opera in concert form, coupled with a unique exhibition of the work of visual artist Koenraad Tinel, which is steeped in this personal history. The exhibition, curated especially for this occasion, will feature sculptures and drawings from Tinel’s extensive oeuvre. New, never-before-seen work by the artist will also be on display.
“PUSH revisited” will be a location project, hosted by IMAGINAIR, a creative collective that resides in a former furniture factory awaiting conversion into residential project Dijledonk. The collective fills the industrial site with art and with beauty. Here “PUSH revisited” finds a breathtaking backdrop.
“Revisited” also literally refers to the place of action. The site is near Boortmeerbeek, where the train was brought to a halt that day by the three resistance fighters, which is the reason why Simon is still with us today, and celebrates his 90th birthday October 12th.
This project arose as a spontaneous response to a proposal for solidarity. What was originally only intended as financial support for the freelance artists of PUSH has grown into an event to revive the momentum of PUSH together. This project shows the involvement of the artists and their desire to keep this story alive.
“PUSH revisited” is dedicated to Simon Gronowski and Koenraad Tinel. Thanks to their inspiring resilience they show us that, regardless of our backgrounds, we have the choice to do the right thing at any time in our lives. To focus on trust, connection, friendship and hapiness. To be optimistic.
Behind-the-scenes late night video editing work with London (UK) based videographer Shogo Hino ( Shogo Media ) a few days before the premiere online April 19th 2020 of this work, the virtual PUSH Opera – Finale with giant choir – Lockdown 2020 🇧🇪 🇬🇧.
More than 150 singers from the UK & Belgium have recorded the finale of PUSH and film editor Shogo Hino has edited the result into a virtual performance uniting the four casts and choruses.
Screening started in the night of the 19th April 2020, exactly 77 years after three Brussels resistance heroes stopped the Nazi train Transport XX, transporting 1600 Jewish deportees to Auschwitz, and more than 200 prisoners escaped from the train before the German border.
Based on Simon Gronowski’s story
Epilogue from the opera PUSH – based on the story of Simon Gronowski – an 11 year old Jewish boy who was pushed from the train – Transport XX – by his mother on the way to Auschwitz. Documented in the film “Transport XX to Auschwitz” presented here – https://michelvanderburg.com/2013/04/19/transport-xx-to-auschwitz/
A virtual performance during the April 2020 Corona virus lockdown by members of the casts from previous productions of PUSH in Battle, Chichester, Salisbury, London and Brussels.
Composer and librettist Howard Moody on piano, Carlos Bruneel on flute, and with the soloists James Newby, Sheva Tehoval, Tereza Gevorgyan, Ivan Ludlow, Lars Thorkildsen, Ciaran o’Donovan and Eleanor Farmer. Soundmix and additional production by Adrian Zolotuhin.
Film editing by Shogo Hino | @shogomedia.
Additional video work from the Miracles project together with Richard & Karen Bloom by Michel van der Burg | Miracles•Media .
With special thanks to Simon Gronowski, and Linda Lovrovic, Sue Kent, Sally Lampitt, Chris Stones, Jill Hoskings, Claire Apel, Jo Nicolai, Philippe Paque, Benoît Giaux, Andrea Frankenthal, and Sarah Ehrlich.
In memory of the three members of the Belgian resistance Jean Franklemon, Robert Maistriau and Youra Livschitz, whose bravery in April 1943 saved the lives of many, as our health workers continue to do today.
Making-of PUSH Opera Virtual Finale ~ PUSH : Howard Moody and co-workers | howardmoody.co.uk ~ Screen recording : Shogo Hino | @shogomedia ~ Film : 20201114 Michel van der Burg | Miracles•Media
Finale with virtual chorus from Howard Moody’s PUSH – Lockdown Version 2020
Epilogue from the opera Push – based on the story of Simon Gronowski, an 11 year old Jewish boy who was pushed from the train (Convoi XX) on April 19 1943 by his mother, on the way to Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
A virtual performance during the April 2020 Coronavirus lockdown by members of the casts from previous productions of Push in Battle, Chichester, Salisbury, London and Brussels.
Composer and librettist Howard Moody on piano, Carlos Bruneel on flute, and with the soloists James Newby, Sheva Tehoval, Tereza Gevorgyan, Ivan Ludlow, Lars Thorkildsen, Ciaran o’Donovan and Eleanor Farmer.
Soundmix and additional production by Adrian Zolotuhin.
Film editing by Shogo Hino.
Howard Moody Website – howardmoody.co.uk
Additional video work from the Miracles project by Michel van der Burg, and Richard & Karen Bloom | Miracles.Media .
With special thanks to Simon Gronowski, and Linda Lovrovic, Sue Kent, Sally Lampitt, Chris Stones, Jill Hoskings, Claire Apel, Jo Nicolai, Philippe Paque, Benoît Giaux, Andrea Frankenthal, and Sarah Ehrlich.
In memory of the three members of the Belgian resistance Jean Franklemon, Robert Maistriau and Youra Livschitz, whose bravery in April 1943 saved the lives of many, as our health workers continue to do today.
The OperaVision Facebook video. Watch both this 2020 Lockdown Virtual PUSH Finale , and the 2019 recording of the full opera PUSH online via OperaVision.
PUSH opera at La Monnaie Opera House in Brussels – Online via OperaVision
OperaVision
Today , 7 August 2020, the Brussels’ PUSH opera recorded March 13, 2019 at La Monnaie Opera House has been made available online for the next 6 months (until 5 Feb. 2021) with subtitles in English, French and Dutch and with the option of auto-translation into over 100 other languages via the OperaVision platform – portal of the Opera Europa, European association of opera companies and festivals. http://operavision.eu/en
PUSH made its world première on Saturday 1 October 2016 at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea (UK). This powerfull inspirational community opera was specially commisioned from Howard Moody (composer , conductor, musical director) by Battle Festival (Sally Lampitt, festival director and producer, and Dave Furness, chairman) for Battle Festival 2016 and the ROOT 1066 International Festival in partnership with Glyndebourne and the De La Warr Pavilion. Simon Gronowski attended the premiere.
The opera is inspired by the true story of Simon Gronowski, whose mother pushed him off a train heading to Auschwitz in 1943 – an action that saved his life and gave the opera its name.
Howard Moody first met Simon Gronowski at a performance of his opera Sindbad in 2014 at La Monnaie Opera House in Brussels. Simon told the Howard the story of his escape and life and ended with the phrase “Ma Vie N’est Que Miracles !”. Moody was so moved he promised that night to write his next opera about Simon.
Howard’s opera PUSH tells the story of Simon’s escape from the 20th Convoy Train on April 19, 1943 – how his mother pushed Simon off the train – and the recent story of Simon meeting and forgiving his former camp guard of deportation camp Mechelen , some years ago.
PUSH was directed by Simon Iorio in Bexhill and later that month at the nearby St Mary’s Church in Battle , and performed by the PUSH orchestra , the Battle Festival Community Choir and PUSH singers — a cast made up of singers of all abilities from Battle and the surrounding area — children, teenagers and adults were resistance fighters, collaborators and prisoners — while three professional soloists played the roles of Simon (James Newby), Simon’s Sister (Tereza Gevorgyan) and the Guard (Matthew Stiff).
PUSH tells Simon’s story but also deals with much broader themes of persecution — a story of our times, full of themes of hope and togetherness, separation, and fear.
The PUSH community opera was next performed in the UK in Salisbury and Chichester (2018), and with a special performance to mark International Holocaust Memorial Day in January 2019 at the Speaker’s House in Westminster, London (hosted by The House of Commons, Chichester MP Gillian Keegan) that was attended by leaders in the Jewish community along with members from both houses of Parliament.
March 2019 PUSH premiered in Simon Gronowski’s hometown , in Brussels at La Monnaie Opera House and was performed in the presence of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Simon Gronowski and family. Director of the Brussels’ performance was Benoît De Leersnyder and Howard was conductor of La Monnaie’s Chamber Music Ensemble with a mixed youth and adult Chorus / La Monnaie’s Children’s and Youth Chorus. Soloists were James Newby (Simon), Sheva Tehoval (Simon’s sister) , Ivan Ludlow (Guard) and Felix Cooper / Thylan Aerts / Milo Avalosse / Djurre Diels (Young Simon). Lighting designer was Ace McCarron. Sets & Costumes by Emilie Lauwers and both Emilie Lauwers & Simon Van Rompay did the Video work.
PUSH Opera – Finale with giant choir – Lockdown 2020 🇧🇪 🇬🇧
Finally, during the lockdown 2020, singers from all four casts of the previous productions in Belgium and UK – Bexhill, Battle, Salisbury, Chichester, London and Brussels – recorded their parts to create a virtual giant choir of over 150 opera singers.
The film ‘My life is only miracles’ – the finale of Howard Moody‘s opera PUSH – was edited by Shogo Hino – with additional work by Michel van der Burg , Miracles.Media – and released online the night of April 19th 2020 to mark the 77th anniversary of protagonist Simon Gronowski’s escape from the death train Transport XX to Auschwitz. That night more than 200 prisoners escaped from the train before the German border after three Brussels resistance heroes stopped that Nazi train Transport XX, transporting 1600 Jewish deportees to Auschwitz.
Following the online premiere of this virtual performance of Howard Moody’s PUSH finale that was created during lockdown , the La Monnaie Opera House too made available temporarily last April for screening online the entire opera of PUSH, performed in March 2019 in Brussels.
OperaVision featuring PUSH online
Today , 7 August 2020, the Brussels’ PUSH opera recorded March 13, 2019 has been made available online for the next 6 months (until 5 Feb. 2021) with subtitles in English, French and Dutch and with the option of auto-translation into over 100 other languages via the OperaVision platform – portal of the Opera Europa, European association of opera companies and festivals. http://operavision.eu/en
Interview with with Sue Kent and Howard Moody. By Wiltshire Creative , April 2020
This Big Interview is with composer Howard Moody and Sue Kent, founder member of Salisbury Arts Centre and general manager of La Folia. They are in conversation with Wiltshire Creative’s Take Part Director, Louise Dancy.
link https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=565415244109794
PUSH Opera – Bexhill | Battle Festival 2016
PUSH Opera – Live recording of the world premiere on 1 October 2016 at the De La Warr Pavilion – Music and libretto by Howard Moody – Commissioned by Battle Festival
online link https://vimeo.com/199353255
NL – SIMON GRONOWSKI PUSH & PIANO
Simon Gronowski’s speech over de PUSH Opera … het genie van Howard Moody, de vele mensen rond de wieg van dit wonder … de emotie van koningin Mathilde van België, en speelt piano tijdens de herdenking van 2019 van Transport XX in Boortmeerbeek.
De nieuwste – nu virtuele – uitvoering van de community opera PUSH met meer dan 150 zangers uit de vier casts en koren uit het Groot Brittanië en België werd vorige week door iedereen zelf thuis opgenomen en is nu online te zien sinds de première op 19 april 2020 via deze link https://youtu.be/-sm1rI-j5iE precies 77 jaar nadat Youra Livschitz, Robert Maistriau en Jean Franklemon Transport XX stopten.
De PUSH-opera is gebaseerd op het verhaal van Simon Gronowski. En het nieuwe virtuele optreden ‘PUSH’ is ook uniek met het nu integreren van beelden van Simon’s leven.
Transport XX herdenking in Boortmeerbeek, België (2019)
Muziek: Simon Gronowski op piano
Film: Simon Gronowski Push & Piano (20200422) Michel van der Burg | michelvanderburg.com | miracles.media
EN – SIMON GRONOWSKI PUSH & PIANO Simon Gronowski speaks – in dutch and french – on the PUSH Opera … the genius of Howard Moody, the many people around the crib of this miracle … the emotion of Queen Mathilde of Belgium , and plays the piano during the 2019 commemoration of the attack of the 20th convoy – Transport XX – on stage in Boortmeerbeek, Belgium.
The latest – now virtual – performance of community opera PUSH with more than 150 singers from the four casts and choruses form the UK & Belgium was made last week by all at home, and is now screening online from the premiere the 19th April 2020 here https://youtu.be/-sm1rI-j5iE … exactly 77 years after the three Brussels resistance heroes Youra Livschitz, Robert Maistriau and Jean Franklemon stopped the Nazi train Transport XX, transporting 1600 Jewish deportees to Auschwitz, and more than 200 prisoners escaped from the train before the German border – that attack is unique in the history of the Holocaust.
The PUSH opera is based on Simon Gronowski’s story. And the new virtual performance film ‘PUSH’ is unique also in now integrating images of Simon’s life – the 11 year old Jewish boy who was pushed from the train – Transport XX – by his mother on the way to Auschwitz , April 19th, 1943.
Commemoration attack Transport XX in Boortmeerbeek, Belgium (2019). Music : Simon Gronowski on piano.
Film : Simon Gronowski Push & Piano (20200422) Michel van der Burg | michelvanderburg.com | miracles.media
michelvanderburg•com 