BY Annika Lynch

Staff Reporter

Central’s Center for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) and the Jerilyn S. McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall will host the Music of Remembrance’s concert entitled “Farewell, Auschwitz,” as part of Holocaust Awareness Week. The program includes composers who will be honoring Holocaust survivors and victims.

Diversity Officer Katrina Whitney said it is really important to showcase a variety of historical events and individual experiences because it allows students, staff and Ellensburg locals to gain knowledge about historical events such as the Holocaust.

“The Holocaust was really devastating for a large community,” Whitney said. “Those individuals that were held against their will basically based on someone else’s [racism]… it’s the severity of discrimination at its worst.”

Music of Remembrance is a Seattle-based group who has performed at Central several times in the last six years. Mina Miller, the group’s artistic director, said the mission of Music of Remembrance is to remember the Holocaust through music.

“Coming to Central Washington University is very special to us and we really admire the programs and the [CDSJ],” Miller said. “I think they do incredible work… we are honored to be coming year after year.”

She also said people should remember the Holocaust to remind themselves to make a better world today.

Megan Chenovick, one of the group’s performers, will perform a song called “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” by Lori Laitman.

The text for “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” was originally written by Holocaust survivor Krystyna Zywulska. It was one of her last poems and became an anthem for the resistance among the Auschwitz prisoners.

Chenovick said “Farewell Auschwitz” will start with what she described as a “sentimental play,” opening with a trio that mimics the sound of a big band.

Chenovick always enjoys performing for the Music of Remembrance, singing songs written by Holocaust survivors.